Podiatry Blog | Foot Doctor Macclenny, Florida 32063

Risk Factors for Sever’s Disease

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Sever’s disease is a heel condition seen in growing children, especially during growth spurts when bones develop quickly. It involves irritation of the growth plate at the back of the heel, an area of soft, developing bone. Several risk factors increase the chance of Sever’s disease. High-impact activities like running and jumping place repeated stress on the heel. Tight calf muscles can pull on the heel and increase strain. Limited ankle motion may also add pressure. Poor foot alignment, including flat feet or high arches, can change how weight is distributed. Wearing worn or low-cushioned athletic shoes and playing on hard surfaces further increases the risk. Increased body weight and rapid growth can also contribute. A podiatrist can provide medical treatment to reduce stress on the heel and support healing. If your active child experiences heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. 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 Macclenny, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Reasons for Diabetic Limb Salvage

Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Diabetic limb salvage is a set of treatments aimed at preventing limb loss in people with severe foot complications from diabetes. It is often necessary due to conditions such as a severe form of peripheral artery disease, foot ulcers, or gangrene caused by poor circulation and nerve damage. Risk factors include long-standing diabetes, infection, and delayed wound care. The process involves restoring blood flow, removing infected tissue, and promoting healing through advanced medical care. A podiatrist plays an essential role by identifying problems early, managing wounds, and coordinating care to improve outcomes. If you have diabetes and notice non-healing wounds, discoloration, or severe pain in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you seek prompt professional care from a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective management solutions.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated.

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

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Friday, 03 April 2026

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Turf Toe and Protecting Your Big Toe Joint

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Turf toe is a painful injury involving the big toe joint, caused by hyperextension that can lead to soft tissue tearing. It often occurs when the shoe grips the playing surface while body weight shifts forward, such as when a soccer player attempts a quick stop or push-off. It is also prevalent in ballet dancers and football players, as the big toe may experience hyperextension. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and joint instability that can affect performance. Risk factors include stiff playing surfaces, improper footwear, and repetitive high-impact movement. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury, provide targeted treatment, and guide recovery. If you have symptoms of turf toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief, treatment and prevention solutions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. John L. Coleman of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendon Rupture
Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Causes of Foot Cramps

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

A foot cramp is a sudden, painful muscle contraction in the foot that occurs when muscles tighten involuntarily and temporarily lose normal control. These spasms may develop from several underlying causes, including nerve-related damage, wearing tight-fitting shoes that place pressure on foot muscles, dehydration, or low potassium levels that affect muscle function. Symptoms include sharp pain, muscle tightening, and temporary difficulty moving the foot until the muscle relaxes. Risk factors may involve prolonged standing, overuse during physical activity, poor circulation, and inadequate hydration. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify contributing factors, and recommend supportive footwear, stretching guidance, and treatment options. If you have recurring foot cramps that interfere with comfort or activity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. John L. Coleman from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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