Sever’s disease is a common heel condition that affects children during growth spurts when the heel bone develops faster than the surrounding tissues. This imbalance leads to irritation at the growth plate and causes noticeable discomfort during activity. Risk factors include high-impact sports, tight calf muscles, wearing improper footwear, and having flat feet or high arches. Symptoms often begin with heel pain, tenderness, swelling, and limping after play. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a detailed exam and recommend conservative treatments such as stretching, footwear guidance, and activity changes to reduce strain on the heel. Early care prevents prolonged discomfort and supports healthy development. If your active child has consistent heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, ensuring your child can safely return to sporting activities.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, 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 Palmetto Bay,South Miami, and Homestead, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Looking ahead to the summer months, let’s talk flip-flops. Flip-flops tend to be an inexpensive, trendy, colorful, and easy-to-wear option for summer, but because there is little support they may be harmful to your feet. Possible injuries may include damage inflicted to the heel, typically causing severe pain. Additionally, the ligaments in the arch may be affected, which may result from improper support if continued over long periods of time. Spraining the ankle can be connected to lack of arch support, which may occur when rolled to one side. This can be alleviated when proper shoes are chosen for summer wear. There are several choices available for these “fun” shoes, including sandals with a supportive outer heel, cork soles in place of rubber soles, and solid straps that may help to hold the foot in place. Your feet will look good and, more importantly, feel good when the right shoes are chosen.
Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
Flip-Flops and Feet
When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer. However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.
How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?
Ankle problems
Hip problems
Lower back problems
Pain in the balls of the feet
Problems with foot arches
Changes in the way you walk
Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?
Yes. Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections. Common injuries and ailments include:
Sprained ankles
Blisters
Infections
Cuts and Scrapes
I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?
When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet. These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay,South Miami, and Homestead, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, occurs when fungi invade the nail bed, nail plate, or surrounding tissue. The infection can develop from dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds and often begins at the edge of the nail before spreading deeper. As the fungal infection progresses, the toenail can become thick, brittle, and discolored, turning yellow, brown, or white. In some cases, the nail separates from the nail bed, causing discomfort or pain while walking or wearing shoes. Affected nails can also produce a foul odor and crumble at the edges. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making feet enclosed in tight shoes or damp socks more vulnerable. A podiatrist can diagnose the type of fungal infection through visual examination and laboratory testing, helping determine the most effective course of treatment to restore healthy nail growth. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options, which may include prescribed medication.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
Warped or oddly shaped nails
Yellowish nails
Loose/separated nail
Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
Brittle, broken, thickened nail
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay,South Miami, and Homestead, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Bone spurs in the feet, also called osteophytes, form when the body produces extra calcium in response to stress, friction, or inflammation. These growths are not always painful, but they can interfere with nearby tissues and cause discomfort. Heel spurs are one of the most common types. They develop beneath the heel bone from strain on the plantar fascia or at the back of the heel due to tension from the Achilles tendon. Tarsal spurs occur in the midfoot, either on the top or bottom, and often make wearing shoes painful because of pressure against the spur. Toe joint spurs typically affect the big toe, leading to stiffness, limited motion, and pain while walking, especially when arthritis is present. A podiatrist can determine the cause of the bone spur, relieve pressure on surrounding structures, and recommend treatment. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Garnet & Carbonell, DPM, LLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Palmetto Bay,South Miami, and Homestead, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Looking ahead to the summer months, let’s talk flip-flops. Flip-flops tend to be an inexpensive, trendy, colorful, and easy-to-wear option for summer, but because there is little support they may be harmful to your feet. Possible injuries may include damage inflicted to the heel, typically causing severe pain. Additionally, the ligaments in the arch may be affected, which may result from improper support if continued over long periods of time. Spraining the ankle can be connected to lack of arch support, which may occur when rolled to one side. This can be alleviated when proper shoes are chosen for summer wear. There are several choices available for these “fun” shoes, including sandals with a supportive outer heel, cork soles in place of rubber soles, and solid straps that may help to hold the foot in place. Your feet will look good and, more importantly, feel good when the right shoes are chosen.
