Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing adolescents, especially those involved in sports. It is an overuse condition that affects the growth plate in the heel, where repetitive stress leads to inflammation and discomfort. This occurs when the heel bone grows faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, creating tension and irritation. Risk factors include rapid growth, high activity levels, and wearing improper footwear. Symptoms often include heel pain during activity, tenderness, and limping. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and guide stretching and activity modification. Early care can relieve pain and prevent worsening symptoms. If your active child is limping or has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective relief solutions.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors 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 Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn, often from a sudden twist or misstep. While many people recover, the injury can leave behind weakness, reduced balance, and a reduced sense of where the ankle is during movement. These changes may increase the risk of future falls, especially in older adults. The ankle plays a key role in stability, and when it does not respond quickly or accurately, it can affect how safely you walk or change direction. Proper treatment includes rest, support, and exercises that rebuild strength and balance. Without proper treatment, the ankle may remain unstable and more prone to repeat injury. Wearing supportive footwear and addressing uneven walking patterns can also help reduce risk. If you have had an ankle sprain and notice ongoing instability or balance issues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors 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?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

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 offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fractures often involve one or more of the three bones that form the ankle joint. These bones, the tibia, fibula, and talus, work together to support body weight and allow the foot to move smoothly. When one or more of them break, the ankle can become painful, swollen, and unstable. A fracture of the fibula is the most common ankle break and usually occurs on the outer side of the ankle after a twisting injury. Tibia fractures may involve the inner ankle and can affect the stability of the entire joint. In more severe injuries, the talus can also be damaged. Because the talus connects the leg to the foot and helps transfer body weight, a fracture in this bone may cause deep ankle pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist evaluates ankle fractures through physical examination and X-rays to determine the exact location and severity of the injury. Treatment may include immobilization, limited weight bearing, targeted exercises during recovery, or surgery if the joint is unstable. If you think you may have a broken ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors 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 offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a painful inflammatory joint condition caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. The big toe is commonly affected, but gout can also involve the foot, ankle, and other joints. While the sudden joint pain often receives the most attention, gout is frequently linked with other health concerns that can affect overall well-being. These related conditions are known as comorbidities. People with gout may also have high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, or obesity. Over time, untreated gout can lead to additional complications such as joint damage, chronic inflammation, and firm deposits of uric acid crystals called tophi that form under the skin. Repeated flare-ups may also limit mobility and daily activity. Managing gout early helps reduce the risk of long-term joint damage and other health complications. When recurring foot or ankle pain suggests gout, evaluation by a podiatrist is suggested for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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