Plantar fibroma, a benign tissue growth that develops on the bottom of the foot, can cause discomfort and affect mobility. Recognizing the symptoms of plantar fibroma is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. One common symptom is the presence of a firm, palpable nodule or lump in the arch or midfoot region. This nodule may vary in size and can be tender to the touch, causing pain or discomfort, especially when standing or walking. Some individuals may also experience a sensation of pressure or tightness in the affected area, particularly when wearing tight or constrictive footwear. As the plantar fibroma progresses, it may lead to changes in foot structure and function, such as difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot or altered gait patterns. If left untreated, plantar fibromas can worsen over time, potentially causing chronic pain and interfering with daily activities. If you have noticed a lump on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and 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 Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. This condition typically manifests as heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, which can gradually worsen throughout the day. The precise cause of plantar fasciitis is not always clear, but it often results from repetitive strain or excessive stress on the plantar fascia. Factors contributing to the development of plantar fasciitis include overuse from activities such as running, walking long distances, or standing for extended periods. Additionally, certain risk factors like obesity, high arches, flat feet, or tight calf muscles can increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose plantar fasciitis, and offer an appropriate treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

An ingrown toenail, a common foot condition, occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and discomfort. This condition typically affects the big toe but can occur on any toe. Ingrown toenails can develop due to a variety of factors, including improper nail trimming techniques, wearing tight-fitting shoes, or sustaining toe injuries. Additionally, individuals with curved or unusually shaped toenails may be more prone to ingrown toenails. Symptoms of ingrown toenails include redness, tenderness, and inflammation around the affected nail, as well as the presence of pus or drainage in severe cases. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected, causing further pain and complications. Recognizing the causes and symptoms of ingrown toenails is important for prompt treatment and prevention strategies. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat this condition, which may include minor surgery for partial or total removal.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 office located in Egg Harbor Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.