Items filtered by date: November 2023

The expert DPMs at Alta Ridge Foot Specialists know that Thanksgiving is a time for family, a day for parents and children to come together and celebrate what’s near and dear. Yet any parent knows that there are some issues children are particularly vulnerable to, and often, those problems get in the way of enjoying time with our loved ones.

For this blog, we thought we’d cover a lesser-known podiatric condition that tends to affect children more than adults. If you have an active child, particularly one that’s interested in athletics or just likes to run around, you might already know about Calcaneal Apophysis, also referred to as Sever’s Disease.

What’s Calcaneal Apophysis?

This heel condition affects children and adolescents during growth spurts. It occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress, often exacerbated by activities like running and jumping. Sever’s disease causes heel pain and discomfort, meaning your child’s feet will feel far from festive.

There are some straightforward steps you can take to manage Calcaneal Apophysis. Follow these tips to deal with damaged heels and feast in peace!

Choose Comfortable Footwear:

Encourage afflicted kids to wear supportive, well-cushioned footwear during Thanksgiving festivities. We can recommend orthotic inserts that provide arch support to alleviate pressure on the heel.

Scamper Less and Try to Rest:

Remind children suffering from Sever’s to pace themselves and avoid prolonged periods of standing or activities that exacerbate heel pain. Balance participation in holiday games with sufficient relaxation.

Stretching Exercises:

Podiatrists often prescribe stretching exercises to alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, which can contribute to Sever’s disease. Incorporating these stretches into a daily routine helps manage symptoms.

From our families to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy, foot-friendly feast! Happy Thanksgiving!