Sever's disease, despite its name, is not an illness, but a common heel bone disorder that affects children during their growth spurts. Also known as calcaneal apophysitis, this condition occurs when the heel's growth plate experiences inflammation due to repetitive stress and tension. Typically afflicting children aged 8 to 14, Sever's disease emerges as the bones grow faster than the tendons, leading to strain on the heel's growth plate. Young athletes engaged in high-impact sports, such as soccer, basketball, and gymnastics, are particularly susceptible. The symptoms can include heel pain, swelling, and discomfort, which can be worse during physical activities. Recognizing Sever's disease is important, as prompt intervention can alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications. If your child has heel pain, and frequently participates in sporting activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. 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 offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Plantar warts, caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV, can develop in anyone, but certain factors may heighten vulnerability. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk, as the body's defense mechanisms struggle to combat the viral invader. The symptoms of plantar warts often include small, fleshy growths on the soles of the feet, accompanied by tenderness or pain while walking. Children and teenagers, with developing immune systems, are particularly susceptible to these uncomfortable growths. Prolonged exposure to moist environments, such as communal showers or swimming pools, also escalates the risk. Additionally, those who frequently walk barefoot in public spaces may find themselves more prone to contracting the virus. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment options and prevention tips.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The cuboid bone is a cube shaped bone in the middle of the foot. The cuboid bone is a key component in ensuring the stability of the foot and assists in providing the right weight distribution for the entire body. Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone becomes dislocated, which results in pain and sometimes difficulty walking. Oftentimes, this is a result of an ankle sprain, repetitive injuries, and acute trauma. This injury is most common in runners, ballet dancers, and participants of sports that involve similar movement. When this syndrome occurs the midfoot feels pain and discomfort, which can result in problems with general movement of the foot. Walking puts pressure on the foot and most likely will result in an increase in pain, so letting the foot rest is essential for it to heal. If you think you may have cuboid syndrome or a similar ailment, then it is recommended you speak with a podiatrist to receive the proper treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet, or edema, can disrupt daily life. This condition often has a spectrum of common causes that individuals should be attuned to for timely intervention and relief. Prolonged periods of standing or sitting, especially in positions that impede healthy blood circulation, can lead to fluid retention, resulting in swollen feet. Another frequent contributor is the choice of footwear, with ill-fitting shoes or high heels imposing pressure that hinders proper blood flow. Injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can trigger inflammation and swelling in the affected area. Underlying medical conditions, including venous insufficiency, arthritis, or heart failure, may manifest in swollen feet. Hormonal changes during pregnancy often result in fluid retention, causing noticeable swelling in the feet and ankles. Lifestyle factors, like a diet high in sodium, can exacerbate fluid retention. Swollen feet can be uncomfortable, and if you have this condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately determine the cause, and offer appropriate treatment tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.