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 Boca Raton Podiatry . 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 Boca Raton, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause sudden and intense joint pain. It often affects the big toe, although it may also develop in other toes, the ankle, or the knee. Gout develops when uric acid builds up and forms needle-like crystals inside a joint. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down substances called purines. When the kidneys do not remove enough uric acid, these crystals may collect and trigger inflammation. A gout attack often begins suddenly, frequently at night, and can cause severe pain and swelling.

Gout attacks may occur only once or return periodically. Without proper treatment, repeated attacks can affect more joints, last longer, and become more severe. Some people eventually develop hard deposits of uric acid crystals, called tophi, around joints or in other tissues. Several factors can increase the likelihood of gout, including family history, certain chronic health problems, and some medications. Because gout symptoms can resemble other forms of arthritis, an accurate diagnosis is important. Medical evaluation may include a physical examination, blood testing, or analysis of fluid taken from the affected joint.

When gout affects the feet, a podiatrist can evaluate painful joints and determine how symptoms are affecting walking and mobility. A podiatrist can also help distinguish gout-related foot pain from other problems that may cause similar symptoms. Treatment depends on the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Medical care may include medications that reduce inflammation during a flare or lower uric acid to help prevent future complications. Managing gout can help protect joints and preserve normal movement. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may reduce the risk of long-term joint damage and recurring pain. If sudden pain, swelling, or tenderness develops in the big toe or another foot joint, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

A Lisfranc fracture is an injury involving the section of the foot where several bones and ligaments connect the forefoot to the hindfoot. The injury can involve a broken bone, damaged ligament, or both. It may happen after a sports injury, fall, or vehicle accident. Because the Lisfranc joint complex supports the foot while walking, an untreated injury can cause pain, instability, and arthritis. Recognizing the injury can help protect foot function and improve recovery.

Symptoms may include pain across the midfoot, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Bruising may appear on the bottom of the foot, which can be a warning sign. The foot may look swollen or misshapen, and walking may become uncomfortable. Some injuries are mistaken for a simple sprain because symptoms can vary. Risk factors include high-impact sports, falls, and accidents that force the foot into an abnormal position.

A podiatrist begins by reviewing how the injury occurred and examining the foot for swelling, bruising, and instability. Weight-bearing X-rays may help identify changes in bone alignment. CT or MRI scans may be recommended when the injury is difficult to see. Treatment depends on severity and whether the bones remain aligned. Stable injuries may require immobilization and limited weight-bearing. More serious injuries may need surgery to restore alignment and stabilize the damaged joints.

Healing from a Lisfranc fracture takes time and follow-up. A podiatrist may use a protective cast or boot, recommend crutches, and increase weight-bearing as healing progresses. After immobilization, rehabilitation can improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Imaging tests may confirm that the foot remains aligned during healing. Do not ignore midfoot pain or swelling after an injury. If you have a Lisfranc fracture or suspect this type of injury, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Ankle sprains happen when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch too far or tear because the foot twists beyond its normal range of motion. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help keep joints stable. A sprain can occur while participating in sporting activities, stepping on an uneven surface, or missing a step. Pain usually begins immediately and can make standing or walking difficult. Swelling and bruising often develop soon after the injury. Some patients also notice that the ankle feels weak or unstable when putting weight on it. A podiatrist can examine the ankle to determine the severity of the sprain and identify whether another injury is present.

Ankle sprains range from mild to severe depending on the amount of ligament damage. A mild sprain involves stretched ligaments with small tears, while a more serious sprain includes larger tears or a complete rupture. Severe sprains can reduce ankle stability and increase the chance of repeated injuries. Symptoms sometimes resemble those of a fracture, making an accurate diagnosis important. A podiatrist performs a detailed examination and evaluates the ankle's movement and stability. X-rays or other imaging studies are sometimes recommended to rule out broken bones or identify additional damage affecting the joint.

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the condition of the surrounding tissues. A podiatrist can recommend treatment that supports proper healing and restores ankle function. Bracing or immobilization is sometimes necessary to protect injured ligaments while they recover. Patients also benefit from personalized exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and balance after the injury. When ligament damage is extensive or the ankle remains unstable, surgery can be recommended to restore stability. Early evaluation and podiatric treatment can improve recovery, reduce discomfort, and lower the risk of future ankle problems. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment  solutions.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Boca Raton Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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