Sever’s disease is a heel condition that can affect children while their bones are still growing. It develops when repeated stress irritates the growth plate at the heel. The Achilles tendon attaches in this area and can place increased pulling force on the developing heel during activity. Symptoms include heel pain, tenderness, and discomfort after running or jumping. A child may also limp or avoid activities that put pressure on the heel.

This condition most affects active children during growth spurts, between 8 and 14 years old. Boys and girls can develop Sever’s disease. Children who participate in sports involving running and jumping may have greater risk because their heels experience impact. Tight calf muscles, increased sports participation, and limited recovery between activities can also contribute. Symptoms may become more noticeable when training intensity increases.

A podiatrist evaluates the child’s symptoms, activity level, and walking pattern. The provider may examine ankle flexibility and calf tightness to understand how stress is affecting the heel. Imaging is sometimes used when symptoms are unusual or another injury needs to be excluded. Treatment is usually conservative and focuses on reducing stress. Care may include activity modification, wearing supportive footwear and heel lifts. Follow-up visits help monitor improvement and adjust treatment.

Relief at home can begin by reducing activities that trigger pain and allowing recovery between active days. Supportive shoes can reduce strain, while gentle stretching may help improve calf flexibility when recommended. Children should not be encouraged to continuplayig sports through heel pain. Most children improve as the growth plate matures, but persistent symptoms require evaluation. If your active child has symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle is a fracture involving one or more bones that form the ankle joint. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty standing or walking. In some cases, the ankle joint may no longer be able to support weight, and movement may become extremely painful or impossible. Prompt evaluation matters because untreated fractures can heal incorrectly and lead to chronic pain, stiffness, or instability.

A broken ankle can happen when the foot or ankle twists suddenly during a fall, sports injury, or misstep. Risk factors include weak bones, previous fractures, and activities that place stress on the ankles. Unstable footwear or uneven surfaces can also contribute to an ankle injury. Severe pain or inability to walk should never be ignored after an accident or injury.

A podiatrist will examine the ankle and assess swelling, tenderness, and movement. Imaging helps determine the fracture location and severity. Treatment depends on the type and position of the break. A timely diagnosis helps in deciding whether additional care or rehabilitation will be needed. A stable fracture may require immobilization with a boot or cast and limits on weight-bearing. Follow-up visits monitor healing and guide a return to activity.

If you suspect a broken ankle, avoid putting weight on it until you receive guidance from a podiatrist. Seek prompt care when pain is severe, walking is impossible, or the ankle appears deformed. Protecting the injury from further stress can help prevent additional damage while waiting for professional care. Treatment can help bones heal in alignment and restore comfortable movement, strength, and stability. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Anas Khoury, DPM from North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Custom orthotics, as opposed to generic shoe inserts, are prescribed by podiatrists to provide tailored cushioning and support for your feet. They play a vital role in addressing specific foot conditions, such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, arthritis, and flat feet, often associated with pain and discomfort. Custom orthotics are versatile in terms of shapes, sizes, and materials, and are designed to cater to individual needs. They can be rigid or soft, depending on the intended purpose. Rigid orthotics, composed of sturdy materials like plastic or carbon fiber, aim to alleviate foot aches and strains. Conversely, soft orthotics use gentle, compressible materials to relieve pressure on sensitive areas, such as sores or foot ulcers. Custom orthotics are crafted to conform to your foot's unique contours and should fit seamlessly into your shoes. If you want to learn more about whether custom orthotics can benefit your foot health, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper assessment.

Custom orthotics are specialized shoe inserts created to support and align the feet according to each person’s unique structure and walking pattern. They are an effective way to relieve foot discomfort caused by conditions such as flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and heel pain. When the natural alignment of the foot is off balance, it can lead to pressure points, strain, and pain that affect how a person stands, walks, and moves. Orthotics work by redistributing weight evenly and supporting the arch to reduce stress on the muscles, tendons, and joints of the feet and lower legs.

Foot discomfort can develop for many reasons, including wearing improper footwear, long hours of standing, repetitive motion, or underlying structural problems. Over time, this discomfort can extend beyond the feet, contributing to knee, hip, or lower back pain. Custom orthotics help correct these issues by improving alignment and promoting more efficient movement. They are made using precise measurements and imaging to ensure the best fit for each patient, providing targeted support and cushioning where it is needed most.

Unlike generic insoles, custom orthotics are durable, medically designed, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply seeking better comfort and stability, orthotics can make a noticeable difference in how your feet feel throughout the day.

If you are experiencing persistent foot discomfort or fatigue, it may be time to have your feet evaluated by a podiatrist. Call our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Passaic, NJ .