Items filtered by date: December 2022

A plantar fibroma is a firm lump that appears on the sole of the foot. These nodules are benign but can cause some pain in the arch when you are standing or walking. Plantar fibromas are about an inch in diameter, and sometimes develop into clusters. These growths do not usually go away on their own, and may need to be removed surgically if they inhibit your daily activities. The cause of plantar fibromas is largely unknown, but a number of conditions may be linked to their formation. A family history of plantar fibromas is the most common risk factor. Men are twice as likely to develop plantar fibromas than women. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and liver disease, are believed to be associated with fibroma development. Long term alcohol consumption is considered another risk factor. Healing from repetitive stress to the plantar fascia is thought to be a factor. A number of non-surgical as well as surgical treatments are available to remove plantar fibromas. It is suggested you visit a podiatrist for an exam and the treatment options that are best for you. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one our our podiatrists of Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. 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 Newtown, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Parents often count the number of their newborn’s toes and fingers, and in most cases, the number is normal. However, some babies are born with congenital foot problems, including clubfoot and a condition known as metatarsus adductus. The latter condition makes the foot look crooked as a result of a curve in the center. It can often be straightened out by a podiatrist if the foot is flexible and may improve naturally when the child is approximately 1 year old. Clubfoot is characterized by a stiff foot that turns inward at the time of birth. It can be diagnosed by an ultrasound while in the womb, and correction can be started soon after the baby is born. If your child is born with any type of abnormal foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you with your baby’s progress.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one our our podiatrists of Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

The digital nerve in the feet is defined as the nerve that transports sensations to and from the toes. If this nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause severe pain and discomfort, often causing difficulty in walking. Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that affects women more than men, and this can be a result of frequently wearing high heels. These types of shoes generally have limited room for the toes to move freely in, and the digital nerve can become compressed. It is located between the third and fourth toes, and the sensation that is felt can be likened to having a marble in the shoe. Additional symptoms can include a numbing feeling, and pain may occur in the ball of the foot. Relief is often found when high heels are eliminated, and it is suggested to wear shoes that are flat or have a lower heel. If you are afflicted with Morton’s neuroma, please speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options, which may include surgery for repair or removal of the nerve.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one our our podiatrists of Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Newtown, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown that injuries may be prevented among runners. It is easy to experience unwanted foot conditions from running mishaps, and simple methods can be implemented to help prevent running injuries. Common injuries that affect many runners can include blisters, a pulled muscle in the lower leg, and cuts from falling. Additionally, running injuries can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly and running on uneven surfaces. Many people overtrain, in addition to improperly warming up and cooling down, which are prime reasons for running injuries to happen. Helpful prevention tips can include drinking plenty of water before, during, and after running, while gradually increasing speed and mileage. Running injuries can affect the feet, and a podiatrist can inform you of effective running prevention techniques, address concerns, and answer any questions you may have.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one our our podiatrists of Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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