Sever’s disease is a heel condition in children and adolescents caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It often develops during growth spurts when bones grow faster than muscles and tendons, creating tension at the back of the heel. Risk factors include participation in running and jumping sports, tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and high activity levels. Flat feet or high arches may further increase strain on the heels. Symptoms typically include heel pain, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort during activity. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and guide stretching programs to relieve stress on the heel. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and relief tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Scott O'Connor, DPM from Premier Podiatry. 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 office located in Bloomington and Pontiac, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes becomes irritated and begins to thicken, creating a mix of burning, tingling, or sharp discomfort in the front of the foot. Many people describe the sensation as if a small object is trapped under the ball of the foot, and the feeling often becomes stronger with wearing tight shoes or pressure on the toes. As the nerve becomes more inflamed, even short walks can feel uncomfortable, and certain footwear may be hard to tolerate. Reducing pressure on the area and choosing shoes that allow the toes to spread naturally can help calm early symptoms, but neuromas usually do not fade away without proper care. If you notice recurring burning or numbness in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a clear diagnosis and effective treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM of Premier Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care 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 Bloomington and Pontiac, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain or burning along the Achilles tendon is a common concern that often develops gradually, especially in active individuals or those who spend long hours on their feet. This strong tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. When it becomes irritated, symptoms include persistent soreness, stiffness after rest, and a warm or burning sensation during movement. Visible signs include swelling, thickening, and redness. The area may look inflamed and feel tender to the touch, with discomfort that worsens during walking or exercise. Causes often involve overuse, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or biomechanical issues, such as flat feet. A podiatrist begins care with a detailed history, physical examination, and imaging when needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out tears. Treatment may start with activity modification, stretching, and supportive devices, then progress to targeted exercises, medications, or advanced interventions if pain persists. If you have Achilles tendon pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM of Premier Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, most often between the toes, where moisture collects. It occurs when fungus grows in warm, damp environments and spreads through shared surfaces and footwear. Symptoms may include itching, redness, scaling, burning, cracked skin, peeling, and possibly odor. Risk factors include excessive sweating, wearing tight shoes, poor air circulation, public showers, weakened immunity, and prolonged moisture exposure. Causes involve dermatophyte fungi that thrive on moist skin and fabrics. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition accurately, provide medical treatments, recommend proper hygiene, guide footwear choices, and help prevent recurrence. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Scott O'Connor, DPM from Premier Podiatry.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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