A plantar fibroma is a benign, non-cancerous growth that develops within the plantar fascia. This strong band of tissue runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. A plantar fibroma usually appears as a firm lump within the arch. It may be small at first but can become more noticeable over time. Although the growth is not cancerous, it can cause discomfort while walking or standing. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of a new lump.

The exact cause of plantar fibroma is not always known. Repeated stress on the plantar fascia may contribute to its development. Risk factors can include family history, certain foot mechanics, and repeated pressure on the arch. People with conditions that affect connective tissue may also have an increased risk. Additionally, wearing shoes that place pressure directly over the lump can make symptoms more noticeable. Some people have no pain, while others develop tenderness or aching during activity.

Plantar fibroma symptoms commonly include a firm, noticeable nodule in the arch. The lump may feel tender when pressed or when standing for long periods of time. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces can make discomfort more noticeable. Tight shoes may also rub against the growth and increase irritation. A podiatrist can examine the foot and discuss your symptoms and medical history. Imaging, such as an ultrasound or an MRI scan, may be recommended when the diagnosis needs clarification.

Treatment depends on the size of the fibroma and how much it affects your daily activities. A podiatrist may begin with footwear changes, padding, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the growth.Your podiatrist may monitor the fibroma over time if symptoms remain mild, and more persistent cases may require additional treatment options. If you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot 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 Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Big toe pain can make every step uncomfortable and limit normal daily activities. Several conditions can affect the joint at the base of the big toe, including injuries and inflammatory arthritis. Two well-known causes are turf toe and gout. Turf toe happens when the big toe bends beyond its normal range, stretching or tearing the supporting tissues. Gout develops when uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp crystals inside the joint. Both conditions cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking, but they begin for very different reasons.

Turf toe usually follows a sports or dance injury where forceful movement pushes the toe upward too far. Pain starts quickly, and the joint feels tender when moving or bearing weight. Bruising can appear around the base of the toe. Gout can begin suddenly, sometimes at night, with intense pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. Even light pressure can feel severe. Repeated gout attacks can damage the joint and reduce movement. Although turf toe and gout share similar symptoms, their causes are different, making an accurate diagnosis extremely important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist carefully examines the painful toe and reviews how the symptoms started. Imaging studies, blood tests, and joint fluid testing help confirm the cause when questions remain. Identifying the correct problem allows treatment to match the condition, instead of only addressing the pain. For turf toe, a podiatrist protects the joint, reduces strain, and monitors healing. For gout, a podiatrist works to identify the joint damage and helps manage the condition with long-term foot care. Surgery may be recommended when serious joint damage or severe instability makes it necessary. Prompt diagnosis helps preserve joint function and improve comfort with everyday activities. If you have a painful big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Heel pain can make standing, walking, and everyday activities uncomfortable. Pain may occur underneath the heel, along the sides, or at the back where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel bone. Symptoms can range from a sharp or stabbing sensation to aching, or throbbing discomfort. Some people experience worse pain with their first steps in the morning or after sitting for an extended period of time. Swelling, stiffness, and difficulty putting weight on the foot may also develop.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It develops when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue supporting the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated from repeated stress. Achilles tendon problems can cause pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, particularly after physical activity. Other possible causes include heel spurs, foot or ankle injuries, or wearing poorly fitting shoes. Additionally, sudden increases in exercise, prolonged standing, and walking on hard surfaces can place additional strain on the heel.

Several factors can increase the risk of heel pain. Age may contribute as tissues become less flexible and natural cushioning decreases. Running, jumping, and other high-impact activities can create repetitive stress. Excess weight can increase pressure on the heels during standing and walking. People who work on their feet for long periods may also experience greater strain. Morning heel pain is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, while pain and stiffness behind the heel may indicate an Achilles tendon problem.

Identifying the cause of heel pain is important because treatment depends on the underlying condition. A podiatrist can examine your foot, assess walking mechanics, and determine whether imaging is needed. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, orthotics, and stretching. If heel pain affects your daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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