Coastal Podiatry Center: Larry Kipp, DPM

My Teenager and Sever’s Disease

The age group of people who are typically affected by Sever’s disease is between ten and fourteen. It impacts the growth plate in the heel and can cause severe pain and discomfort. It can happen as a result of participating in running and jumping activities, which can exert excess pressure on the heel. It is beneficial to perform stretches that can loosen the Achilles tendon which is connected to the heel. Additionally, many patients wear specific types of footwear that can help in the healing process. If you notice your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. 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 New Port Richey, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Overpronation and Its Impact on Foot Health

Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls excessively inward while walking or running. This is often due to a flexible foot structure and increased side-to-side movement. It can develop from genetics, obesity, arthritis, or nerve issues related to diabetes that affect muscle control and stability. Symptoms include foot pain, heel discomfort, ankle strain, and uneven shoe wear. Risk factors involve flat arches, repetitive impact activities, and prolonged standing, which can place added stress on joints and ligaments. A podiatrist can evaluate gait mechanics and identify underlying causes. Treatment options include custom orthotics, strengthening exercises, and supportive footwear to improve alignment. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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Causes and Risk Factors of Workplace Falls

Workplace falls are a common source of injury, often caused by hazards such as unguarded edges, open holes, improper guardrails, slippery conditions, and improper use of ladders, all of which increase the risk of losing balance and sustaining harm. These incidents can lead to various types of foot injuries, including fractures, sprains, bruising, and soft tissue damage, which may affect mobility and daily function. The risk of falling increases in environments with poor safety practices, inadequate training, or lack of protective equipment. A podiatrist can evaluate injuries, provide treatment, and guide recovery through personalized care and prevention strategies. If you have sustained a workplace fall or have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and offer effective fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

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Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

What Is Heel Spur Syndrome?

Heel spur syndrome is a painful condition where a small bony growth forms under the heel. This often develops with plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the thick band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot. Those with this condition usually feel sharp pain when taking their first steps in the morning. Most people improve with rest, stretching, shoe changes, or targeted exercises. When these options do not work, a minimally invasive surgical method may be considered. This procedure uses a small cut on the bottom of the foot to release tight tissue and reduce pressure. Research shows that this procedure can provide strong pain relief and fast healing for many people. Recovery is typically quicker than traditional surgery, helping people return to daily activities with less discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Larry J. Kipp, DPM from Coastal Podiatry Center. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

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