July 2024

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common condition affecting children and adolescents during growth spurts. It involves inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone, typically occurring in active children aged eight to 14. Symptoms can include heel pain that worsens with activity, limping, and tenderness when pressing on the back of the heel. Factors contributing to Sever's disease include repetitive stress from sports activities like running and jumping, as well as tight Achilles tendons or flat feet. Finding relief involves reducing activity levels that exacerbate symptoms, using heel cushions or orthotic inserts to support the heel, and performing stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Wearing proper footwear with adequate cushioning and support can also alleviate discomfort. If your child has heel pain and enjoys participating in sporting activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. 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 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 Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by various fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. Frequent exposure to such environments, like public swimming pools or showers, can increase the risk of infection. Additionally, wearing tight or non-breathable shoes and having minor skin or nail injuries can also make toenails more susceptible to fungal infections. Symptoms of toenail fungus can include thickened, discolored, or brittle nails that may become distorted in shape. The affected nails may also separate from the nail bed, and a foul odor can develop. In some cases, the surrounding skin may appear red and inflamed. Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further complications. Maintaining good foot hygiene and wearing breathable footwear can help reduce the risk of toenail fungus. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can successfully treat it, which most likely will include prescribed medication.

For more information about treatment, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. 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.

Applying foot 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 Lumberton, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet can cause discomfort and impact overall mobility, and specific exercises can help strengthen the arches and alleviate symptoms. Towel scrunches are effective, and can be done by simply placing a towel on the floor, using your toes to scrunch it toward you, then release. Toe extensions involve sitting with your feet flat and lifting only your toes while keeping the rest of your foot on the ground. The stork stretch, where you balance on one foot while pulling the other foot towards your buttocks, helps improve balance and strengthen the foot muscles. Using a foot roller, back and forth under your arch, massages and stretch the muscles. These exercises, when practiced regularly, can enhance arch strength, reduce pain, and improve the overall function of flat feet. Flat feet can cause discomfort while standing or walking. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can perform a comprehensive foot exam and offer relief solutions, if needed.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Steven Spivak, DPM from Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Hammertoe is a deformity causing one or more of the smaller toes to bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition arises primarily due to muscle imbalances that lead to increased pressure on the tendons and joints of the toe. Common causes include wearing ill-fitting shoes, particularly those that are too tight or have high heels, as well as genetic predispositions and conditions like arthritis. Symptoms of hammertoe include pain or irritation while wearing shoes, corns and calluses on the toe, redness and swelling, and in severe cases, open sores. The affected toe may become rigid over time, making movement difficult and painful. Preventing hammertoe involves wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room, avoiding high heels, and performing toe-stretching exercises to maintain flexibility. Early intervention is key to managing the condition effectively. Treatment options range from non-surgical methods, such as wearing custom orthotic devices, using padding to reduce pressure, and taking anti-inflammatory medications, to surgical procedures for severe cases where the toe has become rigid. Surgery typically involves realigning the toe and correcting the deformity. Complications of untreated hammertoe can include chronic pain, difficulty in walking, and persistent sores or infections, which can lead to further foot problems. If you have an uncomfortable hammertoe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, causing it to deviate toward the other toes. This misalignment can lead to pain, swelling, and redness surrounding the joint. Symptoms often include a pronounced bump on the side of the foot, discomfort while walking, and restricted movement of the big toe. Bunions are typically caused by inherited foot structure abnormalities, but they can also result from or made worse by wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes that compress the toes. High heels and narrow-toed shoes are common culprits. Other contributing factors include arthritis and prolonged pressure on the feet. Early intervention with proper footwear, orthotic devices, and, in severe cases, surgery can alleviate symptoms and prevent further progression. A bunion can be painful and unsightly. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate relief treatment methods.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Steven Spivak, DPM of Mount Holly Family Footcare. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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