Ankle Fracture? Don’t Wait for Treatment

If you're suffering from an ankle fracture, professional attention shouldn't wait. Fractures may worsen over time and can make completing everyday activities incredibly difficult. See your specialist for treatment and guidance through the healing process. 

Care Options for Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a firm growth that develops within the arch of the foot along the plantar fascia. While typically noncancerous, it can cause discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods of time. Podiatrists can evaluate the size, location, and impact of the fibroma before recommending treatment. Non-surgical care may involve custom orthotic inserts to redistribute pressure, padding to reduce irritation, and targeted exercises to ease tension in the surrounding tissues. In some cases, steroid injections or other therapies may be used to lessen inflammation and pain. When the fibroma continues to grow or causes significant discomfort, surgical removal might be considered. Addressing the condition early can help improve comfort and prevent worsening symptoms. If you notice a persistent lump in your foot or pain in your arch, it is suggested you have it examined by a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer relief tips for a plantar fibroma.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle 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 offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Causes and Treatment of Heel Bone Fractures

Heel bone fractures, also known as calcaneal fractures, often result from high-impact trauma such as falling from a height or a direct blow to the foot. These fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the affected foot. In some cases, the fracture may extend into the joint and damage the cartilage, increasing the risk of arthritis or long-term mobility problems. Stress fractures may also develop in the heel bone from repetitive activity, especially in runners. Diagnosis typically involves X-rays, and a CT scan may be used to evaluate the severity of the fracture. A podiatrist can assess the heel bone fracture, order the necessary imaging, and determine the most effective treatment plan. A podiatrist also monitors healing, manages complications like pressure-related damage, and provides guidance on when to begin bearing weight again. If you experience severe heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle 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 offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Understanding and Managing Cuboid Syndrome

Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone in the midfoot becomes misaligned, often following an ankle sprain or repeated stress. It can cause an aching pain on the outside of the foot, especially during walking or weight-bearing activities. A podiatrist will examine the area by checking for tenderness over the cuboid bone, observing foot alignment, and assessing range of motion. The condition can mimic other midfoot injuries, so careful evaluation is essential. Imaging may be used to rule out fractures or other issues. Treatment typically involves gentle manipulation to reposition the cuboid bone, followed by rest and wearing supportive footwear. Taping, orthotics, or targeted exercises may also be recommended to relieve pressure and prevent recurrence. Early care often leads to a full recovery. If you have persistent pain on the outer side of your foot after activity or injury, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Cuboid Syndrome

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