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Tarsal coalition is a rare condition where two or more bones in the foot are abnormally connected, limiting motion and causing stiffness and pain. It usually develops during childhood or adolescence as bones fail to separate during growth. Genetic factors often play a role, making it more common in families with a history of the condition. Symptoms may include flat feet, difficulty walking, and increased pain with physical activity. The condition often goes undiagnosed until symptoms worsen or injuries occur. Treatment focuses on reducing pain and improving mobility. Rest, orthotics, and targeted exercises may help manage mild cases, while severe cases might require surgery to remove or separate the fused bones. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent complications. If you or your child experience foot pain or stiffness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized care plan.

Foot pain can have many causes. To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Causes

There are a variety of different conditions that can cause foot pain, including: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons, or ligaments in the feet
• Arthritis
• Flat feet
• Ingrown toenails

Symptoms

The type and location of your foot pain can help determine what may be causing it and what type of treatment options are best for you. 

Common types of foot pain include: 

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Toe pain
• Ball of foot pain
• Pain that has a stabbing, burning, or tingling quality
• Pain that is constant, intermittent, or that gets better or worse depending on the situation 

Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination of your feet will be required to determine a diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out or confirm certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for foot pain include resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot, wearing orthotics, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. 

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

Sever's disease is a common condition that causes heel pain in growing children, particularly those between the ages of eight and 14. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or overuse, often seen in young athletes who participate in high-impact sports. Risk factors include increased physical activity, tight calf muscles, or improper footwear. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, where the chiropodist may press on the heel to identify pain and rule out other conditions. X-rays may also be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Recovery usually involves rest, stretching exercises, and changes in footwear to reduce pressure on the heel. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can provide effective relief tips for Sever’s disease.

Sever’s disease typically affects young children and teenagers. If your child complains of foot pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Sever’s Disease? 

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically caused by overuse due to repetitive activities such as running, jumping, and playing certain sports. This condition most frequently affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Sever’s disease include: 

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed
• Limping or walking on tiptoes to avoid putting pressure on the heel
• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in usual activities
• Fatigue 

Diagnosis

Sever’s disease is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, can help rule out other injuries like a fracture. 

Treatment

Sever’s disease typically heals without any long-term complications. Treatment involves resting the affected foot by reducing typical activities, wearing orthotics to support the foot, immobilizing the affected foot, taking medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and stretching the foot. 

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

The development of a child's foot is a gradual process, with the bones and muscles strengthening and adapting as they begin to walk. During the early stages of walking, it is important to let children explore barefoot as much as possible to allow their feet to develop naturally. First shoes should be introduced when the child starts walking regularly outside or in environments that require foot protection. Baby's first walking shoes should be flexible, lightweight, and allow enough room for the toes to move freely. Shoes with a soft, breathable material help ensure comfort, while a secure fit provides the necessary support for the foot's arch and heel. It is essential to buy shoes that have a flexible sole to encourage natural movement and not restrict foot growth. If your child has foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can provide an accurate diagnosis, and guide you on what type of shoes to buy.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot
• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone
• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures
• Ingrown toenails
• Athlete’s foot
• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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

Ballet is a demanding art form that requires precision, strength, and flexibility. However, the repetitive movements and extreme positions often place dancers at risk of foot, toe and ankle injuries. Open and closed kinetic chains are terms used to describe how the body moves during certain activities. In an open kinetic chain, one part of the body moves while the rest remains stationary, like in a leg extension. In contrast, a closed kinetic chain involves movements where multiple parts of the body work together, such as in a squat. Ballet dancers are particularly prone to specific conditions, including bunions, metatarsal injuries, and ankle pain. Bunions occur when pressure from pointed shoes causes the big toe to deviate. Metatarsal injuries, such as stress fractures, are common due to the intense impact on the feet. Ankle pain often arises from repetitive stress or improper alignment. If you are have foot or ankle pain or have sustained an injury from dancing, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can treat various lower extremity conditions.

Injuries to the foot and ankle are very common among athletes. If you have experienced an injury, please consult with one of the specialists from Thornhill Foot Clinic. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Injuries Among Athletes: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle strains or sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Fractures
• Turf toe
• Joint dislocations
• Sever’s disease
• Morton’s neuroma

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the cause and severity of the injury. Common symptoms for a foot or ankle injury include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, a reduced range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or walking on the affected foot or ankle. 

Diagnosis

Sports injuries are typically diagnosed after carefully examining the affected foot or ankle. This includes moving the injured area to test its range of motion. Medical history will need to be provided, as well as detailed information about how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be used to confirm or rule out certain diagnoses. 

Treatment

Just like symptoms, treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. Initial treatment for many sports injuries is aimed at controlling inflammation and promoting the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E is a helpful guide to implement for most acute injuries. This method involves resting, icing, compressing, and elevating the affected foot or ankle. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications may be administered and orthotic devices may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, surgery may be required. Lastly, rehabilitation or physical therapy may be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area.

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