2-5.
CALCANEAL FAT PAD DISPLACEMENT
Inversion (turning in) or eversion (turning out) of the rear area of the foot causes
this disorder. Rear area of the foot inversion or eversion causes the calcaneal fat pad
(the pad you can feel under the heel of the foot) to be displaced. Then, the foot's
calcaneus and surrounding soft tissue that cushion the heel of the foot in the shoe
transfer the weight of the body to a spot toward the middle of the foot. Heel cushions,
sponge rubber, and Iamb's wool can be put in the shoe to cushion the heel.
2-6.
SEVER'S DISEASE
In this disease, pain occurs at the margins of the heel. The calcaneus is the only
bone in the tarsus that develops from two centers of ossification. Excessive strain in the
epiphysis may cause a break in the cartilaginous union between the bones. Those who
suffer from this disease are usually children between the ages of 8 and 16. Jumping or
other athletic activities in which the children participate have placed too much strain on
the epiphysis.
a. Signs/Symptoms of Sever's Disease. Signs and symptoms of the disease
may include heat and swelling. Other indications of the disease are the age of the
patient, a history of athletic activity, and pain along the margins of the heel. It may take
several months for symptoms to develop.
b. Treatment. Treatment includes putting heel pads in the shoe to keep the
heel from pulling the Achilles tendon. Another treatment is immobilizing the foot in a
plaster cast. Most important is reassuring the patient.
2-7.
HAGLUND'S DEFORMITY
In Haglund's deformity, pain occurs at the back of the heel. This foot problem is
sometimes referred to as bursitis of the heel or "pump bump." A bursa (sac or pouch of
fluid located at friction points, especially about the joints) develops over the posterior
superior lateral calcaneus between the tendon and the skin. In other words, an
abnormal clump of tissue forms at the back of the heel just over the bone. This
condition is in two types of feet: feet with very high arches and feet with very low arches.
The direct cause of the bump or deformity is a shoe rubbing up and down on the back of
the heel. The foot area, consequently, is continually irritated and may develop not only
a bump but an inflamed, fluid-filled bursal sac.
a. Signs/Symptoms of Haglund's Deformity. Included are the following:
(1) A small red, slightly hardened area of tissue that is tender. The area is
located at the posterior superior aspect of the heel.
MD0577
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