Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension from the Achilles tendon. This condition is most often seen in physically active children who participate in running or jumping sports. During growth spurts, bones can grow faster than muscles and tendons, which increases strain on the heel. This imbalance leads to irritation and discomfort that can affect mobility and performance in daily and athletic activities.

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include heel pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Children may complain of soreness at the back or bottom of the heel, especially after sports. Tenderness, mild swelling, and stiffness are also common. Some children may walk on their toes or limp to avoid placing pressure on the heel. Recognizing these symptoms early is important to prevent worsening pain and to support proper healing during active growth phases.

Risk factors include participation in high-impact sports, rapid growth periods, and tight calf muscles that increase tension on the heel. Improper footwear that lacks cushioning or support can further contribute to stress on the growth plate. Flat feet or high-arched foot structure may also affect how weight is distributed, increasing strain on the heel. These combined factors make active children more vulnerable to this condition, especially during periods of increased activity or training intensity.

Relief from Sever’s disease focuses on reducing stress on the heel and allowing the growth plate to recover. Rest, activity modification, and stretching of the calf muscles are essential components of care. Supportive footwear and heel cushions can help absorb shock and reduce discomfort. Early treatment helps prevent prolonged pain and supports a safe return to activity. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose Sever’s disease and provide effective relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . 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 Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Drop foot is a condition defined by difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause the toes to drag while walking. This issue often results from weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for ankle dorsiflexion. It is commonly linked to nerve-related conditions and can significantly affect balance, gait, and overall mobility. Individuals with drop foot may develop compensatory walking patterns, such as lifting the knee higher than normal, which can lead to further strain on the lower body.

Several causes contribute to drop foot, including stroke, sciatica, and nerve injury. A stroke may disrupt signals between the brain and muscles, while sciatica can compress nerves that control foot movement. Direct nerve injury, especially involving the peroneal nerve, is another frequent cause. Symptoms include difficulty lifting the foot, frequent tripping, muscle weakness, and an altered walking pattern. Risk factors include underlying neurological conditions, lower back disorders, trauma, and prolonged pressure on the nerves.

Targeted exercises play an important role in improving functional mobility and strength. Calf stretch exercises help maintain flexibility and reduce tightness in the lower leg. Balance exercises are essential for improving stability and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls. Lower back exercises may also support nerve health by reducing pressure and improving alignment. Consistent movement training can strengthen supporting muscles and enhance walking mechanics over time.

It is important to understand that early intervention and structured exercise programs can help manage drop foot and improve daily function. Addressing the underlying cause while focusing on mobility and strength can lead to better outcomes. If you have symptoms of drop foot, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for strengthening and management tips.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Webbed toes, known as syndactyly, is a condition where two or more toes are joined together by skin or deeper tissues. It is present at birth and occurs during early development when the toes do not fully separate. There are different types based on how much tissue is involved. Simple syndactyly includes only a soft tissue connection. Meanwhile, complex syndactyly involves bones or nails that are fused. Complicated cases may include abnormal bone structure or other developmental concerns. Risk factors can include genetic traits or family history. This condition may appear as a partial or full web between toes and can affect shoe fit or walking patterns. A podiatrist can evaluate the structure and order imaging to determine the extent of the condition. This foot doctor can then discuss treatment options, including monitoring or surgical correction. If your child was born with webbed toes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition and offer treatment when necessary.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms sharp crystals in the joints. It often appears suddenly, with intense pain, redness, swelling, and warmth, most commonly in the big toe. The pain can be severe enough to wake someone from sleep and make even light pressure feel unbearable. Causes include high uric acid levels linked to diet, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. Risk factors include age, obesity, dehydration, and a family history of the condition. Episodes may come and go, but without proper care, they can become more frequent and damaging. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, manage flare ups, and help prevent joint damage. Gout can be extremely painful and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from New England Foot & Ankle . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Wakefield, MA, Nashua and Derry, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.