Sever’s disease is a condition that only affects children because their growth plate is still in the process of maturing. A majority of the children affected by Sever’s disease participate in sports and are between the ages of 10 and 15. This condition causes inflammation around the growth plate of the heel bone, which is still growing. The extra stress placed on the foot during sports activities is usually what triggers Sever’s disease. Pain becomes present in the back of the heel, which becomes more sensitive when pressure is applied during actions like running or jumping. Children might develop a minor limp, and they will usually complain of painful sensations in the heel area. If you think your child might have Sever’s disease, it is recommended you bring them to a podiatrist to learn more about the condition and how it can be treated.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. James Kutchback at James Kutchback, DPM, CWS-P. 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 asscoiatied 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 The Woodlands and Woodville, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

If you notice pain in the bottom of your foot under the toes, you may have a condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma. It is typically caused by a nerve that has become irritated and inflamed. This may happen if the nerve becomes compressed, which may often be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Symptoms that many patients experience may include a burning sensation in the ball of the foot, a numbing or tingling feeling, or possible swelling. Additionally, pain that may come from that area of the foot may cause difficulty in walking. Mild relief may be found by performing stretching techniques which may help to loosen the affected tendons and ligaments. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis and treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, CWS-P. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle 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 offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The painful condition known as gout is considered to be a form of arthritis. Acute gout is often associated with severe pain and discomfort. Additionally, there are some patients who experience swelling and tenderness in the joints of the big toe and surrounding areas.  This condition may occur as a result of excess uric acid that is present in the blood levels. Common reasons why gout may develop may be a result of specific types of food that are eaten, which may include shellfish, juices that are sweetened, or red meat. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which may consist of a physical examination, and checking the uric acid levels, the correct treatment can begin. This may include taking specific medications that may help to reduce any inflammation. If you are afflicted with gout, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you to begin proper treatment and to learn about preventive measures.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. James Kutchback from James Kutchback, DPM, CWS-P. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Sweaty feet are common and can unfortunately result in unpleasant odors. Those with hyperhidrosis of the feet, are especially prone to this inconvenience. Thankfully, there are ways to help eliminate or reduce foot odor caused by excessive sweat. Changing your socks mid-day and applying antifungal powder can help prevent dampness and fungus growth. The antifungal powder absorbs moisture and helps to keep fresh socks dry and clean. Washing your feet daily is also essential, even if you don’t shower every day. Cleaning your feet with antibacterial soap once a day, and applying antifungal powder helps to keep your feet dry and odor free. Applying essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus will also help eliminate odors, while adding a new pleasant smell to your feet. These essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, which makes them perfect for battling sweaty feet. If you have hyperhidrosis or feel that your feet sweat excessively, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist to learn more about treatment options.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Dr. James Kutchback of James Kutchback, DPM, CWS-P. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.