Items filtered by date: October 2023

Plantar fibromatosis is a relatively rare, but often painful, condition that affects the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Unlike more common foot problems, such as bunions or heel spurs, plantar fibromatosis is marked by the development of fibrous nodules or lumps within the plantar fascia. These nodules can vary in size and are typically firm to the touch. They often form in the arch of the foot but can appear in other areas as well. While the exact cause of plantar fibromatosis remains unclear, it's thought to be related to genetic factors and may also be influenced by trauma or injury to the foot. The condition is typically benign but can be quite painful, affecting one's ability to walk and engage in regular activities. Understanding plantar fibromatosis is important for early diagnosis and appropriate care, as it can help individuals find relief from this challenging foot condition. If you have developed this ailment, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and offer appropriate relief and treatment methods. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions, a common foot condition, can cause significant discomfort and affect daily life. Understanding the causes behind their development is important in finding effective preventive measures and treatments. Often, bunions are inherited, as a result of genetic factors influencing foot structure and mechanics. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, especially those with pointed toes or high heels, can exert pressure on the toes and contribute to bunion formation. Foot stress and overuse, commonly seen in athletes or individuals with occupations that require prolonged standing, can also aggravate bunions. Additionally, medical conditions such as arthritis may increase the risk of developing bunions. Gender plays a role, with women being more susceptible due to wearing footwear that cramps the toes. Recognizing these causes empowers individuals to make informed choices regarding footwear and foot care. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, and offer potential relief options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Managing a broken toe can be a painful and inconvenient experience. For stable, non-displaced fractures, an effective method is buddy taping, which is taping the injured toe to an adjacent toe. This provides support and restricts excessive movement, allowing the fractured toe to heal. Another conservative approach to broken toes involves wearing a stiff-soled shoe or a post-operative shoe. This helps protect the injured toe from further trauma and adds stability while walking or bearing weight. In cases where the broken bone ends are significantly separated, a podiatrist may perform a procedure to realign the bones. This is followed by immobilizing the injured toe, through buddy taping, wearing a splint, cast, or a rigid-sole shoe. This is typically done for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. For complex, or severely displaced  fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary. In this case, the bones are realigned, and screws, plates, or wires are used to secure them for stable healing. After the initial healing phase, certain exercises can be recommended to enhance toe flexibility, range of motion, and strength, ensuring a more complete recovery. The severity of the fracture and the specific treatment plan may vary from case to case. Consulting a podiatrist is suggested for an accurate diagnosis and personalized 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 one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Choosing the right footwear is essential for physical activity, including walking or running. While the two may seem similar, they entail different biomechanics and therefore require distinct types of shoes. Walking shoes are designed for forward motion and primarily provide cushioning in the heel and support for the arch. They tend to be more flexible to accommodate the natural rolling motion of the foot as you walk. The emphasis is on comfort and stability, making them ideal for daily strolls or leisurely walks. Running shoes, on the other hand, are engineered to handle the repeated impact of the foot striking the ground with greater force during a run. They offer more cushioning throughout the entire sole, a stiffer midsole to support the arch, and added stability to control pronation. Running shoes are essential for absorbing shock and preventing injuries during high impact activities like jogging or sprinting. Wearing the right shoes for your chosen activity can enhance performance, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure a more comfortable experience. If you would like additional facts about walking and running shoe differences, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

For more information about walking shoes versus running shoes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can measure your feet to determine what your needs are and help you find an appropriate pair of footwear.

Foot Health: The Differences between Walking & Running Shoes

There are great ways to stay in shape: running and walking are two great exercises to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to know that running shoes and walking shoes are not interchangeable. There is a key difference on how the feet hit the ground when someone is running or walking. This is why one should be aware that a shoe is designed differently for each activity.

You may be asking yourself what the real differences are between walking and running shoes and the answers may shock you.

Differences

Walking doesn’t involve as much stress or impact on the feet as running does. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be any less prepared. When you’re walking, you land on your heels and have your foot roll forward. This rolling motion requires additional support to the feet.

Flexibility – Walking shoes are designed to have soft, flexible soles. This allows the walker to push off easily with each step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Biomechanical problems of the feet can lead to various issues in the body, including foot pain. These problems often result from conditions consisting of fallen arches, overpronation, or supination. Fallen arches, known as flat feet, can occur due to excessive pronation, causing the foot to roll inward. Conversely, high arches can lead to supination, where the foot rolls outward. Both of these conditions can create imbalances in the body's mechanics, affecting the feet and other body parts, and leading to pain during activities like walking or running. Symptoms of biomechanical foot problems can include hip pain, knee pain, leg cramps, and ankle pain. Additionally, the lower back, Achilles tendon and the heel may be affected. Treatment options often include a gait analysis to understand walking patterns, orthotic devices, and shoe modifications. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough evaluation of your feet and ankles, and a treatment plan based on results.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.