
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 one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors 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 Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can affect daily movement and overall comfort. It may result from injuries such as sprains, fractures, or overuse, as well as improper footwear that lacks support. Medical conditions, including arthritis and diabetes, can also contribute to ongoing foot discomfort. Risk factors include high-impact activity, poor foot mechanics, and prolonged standing. Symptoms range from mild soreness to sharp, limiting pain. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, provide accurate diagnosis, and recommend treatments like orthotics or targeted therapy. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors 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 offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis affects the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones help support movement and absorb pressure when walking and running. Sesamoiditis is considered a cause of pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Signs of this condition may include tenderness under the big toe joint, swelling, difficulty bending the toe, and discomfort during weight-bearing activity. Causes often involve repetitive stress, high-impact sports, or footwear that increases pressure on the forefoot. Risk factors include running, dancing, and wearing high-heeled shoes. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and provide targeted treatment. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose the cause and provide appropriate relief and treatment solutions.
Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.
Causes of Sesamoiditis
- Sudden increase in activity
- Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
- Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible
Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail presses into the surrounding skin instead of growing straight outward. This most often affects the big toe and can quickly become painful. Early signs include redness, swelling, and tenderness along one side of the nail. As the nail continues to push into the skin, the area may become warm and irritated. In some cases, infection develops, leading to drainage or increased swelling. Ingrown toenails can be caused by trimming the nail too short, cutting the corners of the nail, tight shoes that place pressure on the toes, or injury to the nail. Some people also have naturally curved nails that increase the risk. A podiatrist can examine the toe and determine the best way to relieve the pressure. Treatment includes careful nail trimming, protective care, or a small procedure that removes part of the nail to prevent it from growing inward again. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.




