Children who are growing and physically active can put excessive wear on the growth plate of their heel bone, which attaches to the Achilles tendon. Repetitive pulling on the growth plate causes inflammation and pain in the heel and is known as Sever’s disease. Although this condition is painful and can reoccur, it is not dangerous, and should go away once the growth plate closes and your child stops growing. There are several things you can do at home to help reduce the pain of Sever’s disease. Have your child stretch their calf muscles several times a day and make sure your child sits out activities rather than playing through the pain. You can also ice the area, give your child over-the-counter painkillers, and have them wear supportive shoes. If pain persists, severe swelling occurs, or your child develops a fever, contact a podiatrist right away. The podiatrist will first rule out a heel fracture, and then may suggest custom orthotics and specific stretching exercises to heal the pain and avoid permanent damage.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Having flat feet, defined as feet that do not have a visible arch in the sole while standing, can sometimes cause foot problems to arise. While many people have flat feet and do not experience any negative effects, others may find that they have foot pain, fatigue easily, or have an abnormal walking pattern. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make living with flat feet more comfortable. Over the counter and custom orthotic inserts can be worn in the shoes to provide more cushioning and support to your flat feet as you go about your daily activities. Stretching and strengthening the feet with simple foot exercises can also help to reduce pain and discomfort. For more information about flat feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition caused by damage to the nerve between the third and fourth toes. The tissue that surrounds the nerve thickens due to inflammation, causing symptoms such as toe numbness, a tingling sensation, a feeling akin to “walking on a pebble,” and burning pain in the ball of the foot. Morton’s neuroma is eight to ten times more common in women than in men because it is believed to be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. Morton's neuroma can also result from damaging the foot during high impact sports or from other trauma to the nerves of the feet. Having certain foot deformities, such as flat feet, high arches, hammertoes, or bunions, can also put you at an increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. If you have symptoms of this condition, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Fungal toenail infections are common, affecting 10% of the population. Typical symptoms of a fungal nail infection include the nail becoming thick, crumbly, discolored, and distorted in shape. Treatment for fungal nail infections can be a slow process, as the nails are made of keratin, which does not have its own blood supply and is impermeable to many substances. Some of the possible treatments include oral antifungal medications, topical medications that are applied directly to the nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments will be prescribed to get rid of the infection. The treatment that is recommended will also depend on the type and severity of the fungal nail infection. For more information about treating toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Larry Cohen of New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A high ankle sprain, also known as a syndesmosis injury, can occur when the ankle is forcefully twisted upwards and away from your body during physical activity. This can happen while playing contact sports. For example, if somebody falls onto the outside of your ankle, it may force the ankle to move beyond its normal range, resulting in a high ankle sprain. A high ankle sprain differs from the more common lateral ankle sprain by its symptoms. While a lateral ankle sprain is painful, the pain from a high ankle sprain is usually more severe. It may be extremely difficult to bear weight on the ankle. However, high ankle sprains generally don’t bruise or swell as much as lateral ankle sprains. If you sustain any type of ankle sprain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.
Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Dr. Larry Cohen from New York City. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Midtown, Manhattan . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
