Items filtered by date: July 2024

Plantar fibromatosis and Ledderhose disease are related conditions characterized by the development of benign nodules or lumps in the connective tissue of the feet, affecting the plantar fascia and foot arch. These nodules, composed of fibrous tissue, can cause pain and discomfort, particularly while standing or walking. Plantar fibromatosis typically affects the middle of the foot's underside, while Ledderhose disease occurs on the underside of the foot arch. These conditions often cause a feeling of pressure or a sensation akin to walking on pebbles. While symptoms can vary, they generally worsen with weight-bearing activities due to the increased pressure on the affected areas. Relief options include orthotic devices, steroid injections, and in severe cases, surgical removal of the nodules to alleviate pain and restore foot function. If you have nodules or lumps on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat these conditions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Identifying whether a foot blister is infected involves observing certain symptoms. Signs of infection can include increased pain, redness, warmth, and swelling surrounding the blister. The blister may also appear to be filled with pus or fluid that is cloudy or discolored. If the area around the blister becomes increasingly tender or painful, or if you notice red streaks spreading from the blister, these could indicate an infection spreading through the skin. Additionally, fever and chills may accompany a severe infection. Monitoring the blister closely and seeking medical attention if you notice any of these signs is vital. Prompt treatment with antibiotics or drainage may be necessary to prevent the infection from worsening. If you have a foot blister that has become infected, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can treat this condition. 

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Surprisingly, about 70 percent of people wear shoes that don’t fit well, leading to discomfort and potential long-term issues affecting the feet and ankles, as well as other body parts. To ensure a proper fit, start by measuring your feet, as sizes can vary between brands and your feet change over time. Shop in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen, ensuring a fit that accommodates daily activity. Look for shoes with adequate support and structure, avoiding overly soft footwear that lacks stability. Check for a thumb’s width of space at the toe and consider the shape of the shoe to avoid cramped toes. Heels higher than 1.5 inches can worsen foot problems. For those on carpets or with mobility issues, lightweight polyurethane soles are a better option than heavy rubber. Breathable materials and appropriate socks are also important to prevent moisture buildup and subsequent issues, like corns or blisters. Special features can accommodate specific conditions like diabetes, bunions, or hammertoe. For personalized advice and to address any foot-related concerns, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Blood clots in the feet, also known as venous blood clots, pose significant health risks and require immediate medical attention. These clots can be caused by several factors, including poor blood circulation due to prolonged sitting or lying down, diabetes, and dehydration. Damaged veins from injury, infection, or surgery are other contributing factors. In addition, blood clots in the feet can result from taking certain medications like birth control pills, hormone therapy drugs, glucocorticoids, and antidepressants. Symptoms such as swelling, discoloration, varicose veins, and intense pain or numbness in the foot are indicators of potential blood clots. If left untreated, blood clots can travel to vital organs, potentially causing life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke. A podiatrist can play a critical role in managing blood clots in the feet by diagnosing the condition, providing appropriate treatments like blood thinners or thrombolytic therapy, and offering preventive measures. If you have developed blood clots in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This can restrict the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.

Causes

Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development. It can also cause:

• Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness   
• Numbness or cramping in the legs 
• Skin discoloration
• Slower nail & hair growth
• Erectile dysfunction

Those who have diabetes or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, as are those who are over 50. If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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

Experiencing nerve pain in your foot can impact your daily activities and overall quality of life. One common cause of such pain is Morton's neuroma, a condition where a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes swollen or thickened. This often results from wearing shoes that squeeze the toes together for extended periods, such as high-heeled, tight, or narrow footwear. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma can include a sharp, burning pain in the foot that intensifies with walking and a sensation of a small lump in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and may require imaging tests like ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI scans to confirm. Switching to shoes that allow ample room for the toes and reducing activities that exacerbate the pain may provide relief. If these measures are insufficient, special pads or devices to spread the toes, steroid injections, or in severe cases, surgery, may be recommended to alleviate symptoms. Persistent nerve pain should not be ignored, as early intervention can prevent further complications. If you are experiencing such pain, consulting a podiatrist is suggested for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact David Reynolds, DPM of First Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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