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If your child is complaining of pain in the back of the heel, he or she may have what is referred to as Sever’s disease. This condition will typically target children who actively participate in sports that involve running and jumping and may possibly worsen after an activity is performed. The heel may begin to feel better after an adequate resting period has occurred. The cause of this condition is due to a growth spurt in which the Achilles tendon becomes sore as it attaches to the heel bone. This ailment is often diagnosed by symptoms the child speaks about and treatment will typically consist of rest and wearing cushioned pads in the heels of the shoes. It may be beneficial to gently stretch the Achilles tendon, which may strengthen the heel and surrounding areas. It is suggested to speak with a podiatrist if your child is afflicted with Sever’s disease, so the proper treatment can begin.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Thomas Tran at Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. 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 asscoiatied 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 Frisco, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Many people experience a condition that is known as toenail fungus at some point in their lives. If there are small cuts in the skin surrounding the toenail, fungus may enter the body and attack the nail bed. This contagious ailment is typically spread through walking barefoot on public locker room floors or swimming in community pools. The symptoms of this unsightly condition may include thickened toenails, which may turn a whitish or yellowish color, and in severe cases, the toenails may split and lift off the nail bed, which may possibly cause permanent damage. There may be measures that can be taken for the prevention of toenail fungus, and these may include using your own nail files and clippers, changing socks that get wet from excess sweat, and wearing appropriate shoes in public shower areas. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is advised to consult with a podiatrist, so the proper treatment techniques can begin.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals &  Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Talcum powder – applying powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frisco, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is the medical term described as an uncomfortable foot condition that is typically located on the bottom of the foot under the third and fourth toes. If the nerve that lies there becomes irritated and swollen, you may experience symptoms that include a tingling or burning sensation, or pain inside the ball of the foot. These symptoms may develop over time and this may depend on what type of shoes are worn or the activities that are performed. Common causes for this condition to develop may come from shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move about in, or shoes that exert excess pressure on the ball of the foot. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you feel you have developed this ailment to discuss proper treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

If you have incurred an injury to your toe or have dropped a heavy object on it, you may have a broken toe. Common symptoms that typically accompany this condition may include pain and discomfort, swelling, redness, or tenderness. Walking may prove to be a difficult task to accomplish, and the toe may often appear bruised. For severely broken toes, the affected bone may protrude from the skin, or the toe may appear to be at an unnatural angle. Once a proper diagnosis is performed, which is often accomplished by having an X-ray taken, proper treatment techniques can begin. These may include elevating the foot, which may reduce any pain or swelling, taping the affected toe to the toe next to it for support, or wearing appropriate footwear that that can accommodate the broken toe. If you feel you have broken your toe, it’s suggested to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include: worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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