Items filtered by date: June 2024

A plantar fibroma is a benign, fibrous knot embedded in the plantar fascia, the tissue along the bottom of the foot. This condition often causes a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot, leading to discomfort or pain when walking or standing. Nonsurgical relief options for plantar fibromas focus on reducing symptoms and improving foot function. Orthotic devices such as shoe inserts can help by distributing pressure more evenly across the foot and reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Stretching exercises and massage can alleviate tension and improve flexibility in the foot. Additionally, corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation and pain associated with the fibroma. If you have developed a knot in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. 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 Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Dance, a beautiful art form, demands physical prowess and dedication, but it also comes with the risk of injury. Among the most common dance injuries are sprains and strains, which occur due to overstretching or sudden movements. Ankle sprains, in particular, are prevalent among dancers, often resulting from improper landings or sudden changes in direction. Stress fractures, caused by repetitive impact on the bones, are also common, especially in the feet and lower legs. Additionally, muscle tears and strains can occur from overexertion or sudden movements beyond the body's limits. Understanding these common dance injuries highlights the importance of proper training, warm-up routines, and rest periods to prevent overuse and minimize the risk of injury. If you enjoy dancing and have endured a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat these types of foot conditions.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Fungal toenail infections, or onychomycosis, account for approximately 50 percent of all nail diseases, particularly affecting toenails. Laboratory diagnosis through microscopy and culture of nail clippings is recommended before starting treatment to confirm the infection type. For patients requiring treatment of fungal toenails, oral antifungal medications are typically used for severe infections, while topical antifungals are suitable for superficial or minor cases and for those unable to take oral medications. The duration of treatment varies, with systemic medications typically requiring a few months and topical treatments possibly extending up to two years. Patients should be aware that treatment success rates vary, and nails may not return to a completely normal appearance even after successful therapy. Additionally, there is a risk of treatment failure or relapse, necessitating further diagnosis and possibly alternative treatment strategies. Ultimately, the decision to treat fungal nails should be individualized, considering the patient's overall health, risk factors such as diabetes or vascular disease, and the severity of the infection. If you have developed a fungal toenail infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment suggestions.

For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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

Wearing ill-fitting shoes can lead to a host of foot problems, with toe pain being a common issue. When shoes are too tight, they exert excessive pressure on the toes, causing conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails. Conversely, shoes that are too loose fail to provide adequate support, leading to friction and the development of painful blisters and calluses. This constant pressure and friction can inflame the nerves and joints in the toes, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. Toe pain from wearing ill-fitting shoes occurs because the unnatural positioning and restricted movement of the toes can lead to deformities and joint stress. The lack of proper arch support and cushioning further exacerbates these issues by altering the natural gait and increasing strain on the toes. To alleviate toe pain, it is essential to wear properly fitted shoes that offer adequate support and room for toe movement. If you have persistent problems with toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance and treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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