June 2021

Active children may be more likely to experience heel pain. This pain can be indicative of a condition known as Sever’s disease, and it often affects children and young adolescents. This uncomfortable ailment affects the growth plate in the heel and can occur as a result of extensive pressure exerted on the area where the Achilles tendon meets the heel. Parents may notice their child limping, in addition to experiencing a decrease in flexibility. Prompt treatment generally begins with stopping the activity that caused this condition, and it is beneficial to rest the affected foot. Some children find it may help to perform specific stretches that target the Achilles tendon and calf. If you notice your child has symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is strongly suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can determine what the most effective treatment is.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

The symptoms of a foot fracture in children are often noticeable. Your child may complain of pain while walking, the foot may change shape, and can become swollen. It can happen from enduring a sudden fall, and an X-ray is often needed for a proper diagnosis. A common form of treatment is to have your child wear a cast, which is helpful in keeping the foot stable as the healing process occurs. Additionally, frequently elevating the affected foot may be beneficial in diminishing existing swelling. Surgery may be required if the fracture is severe or if the bone protrudes from the foot. If you know your child has fallen, is limping, and has difficulty walking, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so that your child can begin the correct course of treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Corns are small, hard lumps of skin that can form on the feet due to pressure. They are often the result of wearing ill-fitting shoes. Unlike calluses, which form on the surface of the feet, corns can harden both the surface of the skin and tissue deeper beneath the surface. When pressure is applied to the corn from everyday activities like walking or standing, a particularly deep corn can be very painful. There are two types of corns. Hard corns often form on the soles of the feet or the tops of the toes, while soft corns usually form between the toes. If you have painful corns on your feet, a podiatrist can help you find relief.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

When the digital nerve—which is responsible for sensation in the toes—becomes compressed and persistently inflamed, a thickened mass of tissue may form around the irritated part of the nerve. This growth typically occurs between the third and fourth toes, and may make you feel as if you are walking on a marble. This condition is known as Morton's Neuroma. Other symptoms may include pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, or a burning pain in between the toes. Because high heels and pointy-toed shoes can squeeze the toes together and compress the digital nerve, women who wear these types of shoes on a regular basis—as well as those who engage in activities that put repeated pressure on the nerve—are more likely to develop Morton’s Neuroma. To reduce your risks, wear lower-heeled shoes with ample space in the toe box, treat foot conditions like bunions and hammertoe, and avoid repetitive motions that apply pressure to that area. If you have any of the symptoms associated with Morton’s Neuroma that last for more than a few days, contact a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the common human papillomavirus (HPV) enters the skin of the foot through a small cut or compromised area and causes keratin to develop, plantar warts occur. These are rough, white, or skin-colored warts that present on the heel, toes, or other weight-bearing points on the sole of the foot. Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, will sometimes have black dots at their core, which are actually clotted blood vessels. Because HPV is contagious, plantar warts can be passed from the skin of one person to another through direct contact, or by indirect exposure to an infected person’s socks, shoes, towels, or surfaces such as public swimming pools or communal changing rooms where the virus may be living. The virus can spread to hands and fingers, but the warts that develop on these parts of the body are known as palmar warts. People with a weakened immune system, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or those who have warts that bleed, change color, cause a loss of sensation in the foot, or are very painful, should seek professional help. A podiatrist has a variety of remedies and procedures that can treat or even remove plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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