If you notice a growth in the arch of your foot, it may indicate a plantar fibroma has developed. This is a benign nodule and is found in the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. This fibroma grows slowly, generally less than one inch, yet it can cause the foot to ache. Research has possibly linked the cause of developing a plantar fibroma to genetic reasons and it may also be prevalent among the Northern European population. Additionally, there may be a connection between repeated foot injuries and the development of a plantar fibroma. People who have existing medical conditions like alcoholics, diabetic patients, and people with liver disease may be predisposed to this foot condition as well. There are various treatment methods for plantar fibroma and if you have pain in your arch, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can perform a diagnosis and offer the treatment technique that is right for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Although rare diseases that affect the feet are not especially prevalent, it can be useful to learn more about them in case you must ever identify one in yourself or a loved one. Raynaud’s disease is one kind of rare foot condition to be aware of.  An individual with Raynaud’s disease can experience feelings of numbness in the toes.  This is because blood vessels in the toes can shrink and become very small.  As a result, the toes can demonstrate discoloration of some kind.  There are two main types of Raynaud’s disease—primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud’s disease is triggered by emotional stress and low temperatures.  Secondary Raynaud’s disease can be caused by and linked to other diseases such as lupus.  If you are interested in learning more about rare foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact our podiatrists of Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

When a woman carries a baby to term during pregnancy, her body undergoes a variety of different physical changes. Many of these changes concern the feet. If you are expecting, you might consider being especially mindful of the extent to which the pregnancy might be affecting fluid retention in the feet and lower legs. For example, during pregnancy, blood circulation to the feet may be diminished, which can cause excess fluid retention. Certain factors may increase one’s susceptibility to this condition. Namely, consuming food that is high in salt and exercising may increase a pregnant woman’s fluid retention and result in swollen feet. Please contact a podiatrist if you are concerned about fluid retention in the feet during pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

Broken toes are common. They can happen to anyone at any time, from those who participate in sports to those whose toes get hit by a heavy object. Serious toe injuries typically happen to the big toe. Other toe breaks can be handled by taping the afflicted toe to the toe next to it to immobilize it. Whether serious or not, breaking a toe can be quite painful and make it difficult to walk. When a toe breaks, there will often be swelling, stiffness, and bruising. A serious fracture can cause the toe to look deformed. It takes approximately six weeks for a broken toe to heal. If healing is not progressing it might be due to incorrect use of crutches, the bone may have atrophied from non-use, or an infection is present. To avoid broken toes in the future, wear proper fitting protective shoes, use care when participating in sports, and include foods rich in vitamins C and D in your diet to strengthen bones. If you have broken your toe, it is a good idea to consult with a podiatrist who can determine the severity of the break and offer treatment options.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact our podiatrists from Superior Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Long Beach, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.