Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in active children and adolescents, often occurring during periods of rapid growth. It is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, frequently triggered by repetitive stress from running, jumping, or sports activity. This is especially common in children with tight calf muscles or high arches. Symptoms include pain at the back or bottom of the heel, swelling, tenderness, and limping after activity. The heel may look slightly swollen or red, and it can feel sore, stiff, or sensitive when walking, running, or standing on tiptoe. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful examination of the heel and foot structure to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Treatment often includes rest, footwear guidance, and targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the calf and heel. Early care helps prevent further pain and allows safe activity. If your child is having issues with their feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and  appropriate treatment plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner 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 Lafayette, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Standing all day at work can place significant stress on the feet and lead to soreness, fatigue, and increased foot perspiration. Prolonged standing in one position may reduce circulation and strain muscles and joints. Wearing proper shoes is essential for providing support, cushioning, and breathability to reduce discomfort and moisture buildup. Prevention also includes changing static positioning, shifting weight between feet frequently, and allowing muscles to stay active. These habits can help minimize pressure and improve overall foot comfort throughout the workday. When pain or persistent issues develop, a podiatrist can evaluate foot health, recommend supportive footwear, and create personalized treatment plans. If you experience foot pain during your work day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and treatment strategies.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lafayette, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Overuse injuries develop when muscles, tendons, and soft tissues are stressed repeatedly without enough recovery time. In the foot, this often affects tendons, the plantar fascia, or the small stabilizing muscles that support walking and standing. Certain calf conditions also fall under podiatric care, particularly when tight calf muscles or tendon strain alter foot mechanics and increase stress on the heel or arch. Poor footwear, sudden increases in activity, and abnormal foot structure can all contribute. Treatment focuses on reducing strain while restoring proper movement. This may include activity modification, stretching and strengthening exercises, custom orthotics, and wearing supportive footwear. If foot pain or calf-related strain continues or worsens, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lafayette, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Splay foot describes a widening of the front of the foot, caused by loss of the transverse arch and leading to forefoot instability and altered walking mechanics. Splay foot may develop from inherited foot structure, ligament weakness, excess body weight, prior injury, or repeated stress on the mid-foot. As the metatarsal bones spread, people often notice increasing foot width, discomfort when standing or walking, and shoes that feel tight or wear unevenly. Painful calluses beneath the ball of the foot, burning or tingling sensations, fatigue, and a tendency to walk on the outer edge of the foot are common symptoms. Splay foot can contribute to bunions, hammertoes, and strain that affects posture and gait. A podiatrist can evaluate alignment and identify contributing factors. If your toes are widely separated and are causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Deann Hofer Ogilvie, DPM from Ascend Foot & Ankle Center. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lafayette, CO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.