Items filtered by date: May 2023

The foot condition known as plantar fibromatosis is rare. A plantar fibroma is a fibrous, hardened area in the shape of a circle that develops in the arch. It is a benign growth, and it may form in both feet. Many patients don't report pain unless they walk barefoot or their shoe pushes against it. A plantar fibroma may occur if an injury has happened to the sole or from the consistent pressure the feet endure while running. Research has indicated it may happen from taking certain medications, such as anti-seizure medicine, beta-blockers, or excessive doses of vitamin C. An MRI is generally performed that can correctly diagnose a plantar fibroma and may be followed with a biopsy. Mild relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn, in addition to taking anti-inflammatory medication. If you have discovered a lump on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat a plantar fibroma.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. 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 one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

There are a multitude of foot conditions that may develop when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly. These can include ingrown toenails, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. There are key factors to look for while purchasing shoes that can ensure a good fit. These can consist of making sure there is adequate room for the toes to move freely in, and the ball of the foot feels comfortable in the widest part of the shoe. Many people choose to measure their feet prior to going to the shoe store. This can be accomplished by standing on a sheet of paper without shoes, and tracing the length and width of your foot as accurately as possible. This is followed by using a conversion chart, which can determine the correct shoe size. Other people choose to use a Brannock device, which is found in the majority of shoe stores. Both of these methods are successful in figuring out the right shoe size. If you have questions about how to get your right shoe size, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with the information you are seeking.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Florida Foot & Ankle Group, P.A.. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Debary, Lake Mary, Orlando, and Oviedo, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.