Heel discomfort in children is surprisingly common, especially during growth spurts when the bones, muscles, and tendons develop at different speeds. One of the most frequent causes is irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel, often called Sever’s disease. This condition can create soreness during activity, stiffness after rest, or limping during sports. Tight calf muscles, flat feet, high arches, and wearing worn-out shoes can add extra strain to the heel, making symptoms more noticeable. Because kids are often active and may not slow down when something hurts, the irritation can worsen without guidance. A podiatrist can evaluate the child’s foot structure, activity level, and gait to determine the exact cause of the pain. Treatment may include activity modification, stretching, wearing supportive footwear, or orthotic devices that reduce pressure on the heel. If your child’s heel pain persists, affects sports participation, or causes limping, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper assessment and appropriate care.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. 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 offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels regularly can have a significant negative impact on foot health. The unnatural angle and pressure on the forefoot can contribute to the development of bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas, which can affect balance and alter natural gait. Over time, this added strain may lead to chronic pain, calluses, and difficulty walking comfortably. Risk factors include prolonged use of high heels with a narrow toe box, previous foot deformities, and high activity levels while wearing heels. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, and offer treatment to relieve pain and prevent further damage. If you have foot pain from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, and guide you on appropriate shoes to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

A pinky toe corn is a small area of thickened skin that develops due to repeated friction or pressure on the outer part of the smallest toe. This protective buildup forms when the skin responds to irritation, often from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Common causes include narrow footwear, high heels, toe deformities, and abnormal foot mechanics that increase pressure. Risk factors include hammertoes, bunions, excessive walking, and improper shoe sizing. Symptoms may include tenderness, a hard raised bump, redness, and discomfort when wearing shoes. A podiatrist can safely remove the corn, address underlying structural issues, and recommend proper footwear or orthotics. If you have developed a corn anywhere on your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and prevention tips.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

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

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Heel fat pad syndrome occurs when the natural cushioning under the heel becomes thinned, displaced, or less effective. The fat pad is designed to absorb shock during walking and standing. When it loses integrity, the heel bone is exposed to increased pressure. This often leads to deep, bruise-like pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities, especially when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces. Aging, repetitive impact, obesity, prior heel injury, and improper footwear are common contributing factors. Symptoms may feel similar to plantar fasciitis, but the pain is usually centered directly under the heel rather than along the arch. Management focuses on protecting and supporting the heel. Wearing cushioned shoes, heel cups, orthotics, and activity modification can help reduce stress on the area. Addressing walking mechanics and avoiding thin-soled shoes are also helpful. If heel pain continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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