December 2022

The plantar fascia is located on the sole of the foot and it connects the toes to the heels. Some patients may experience a growth that develops inside the plantar fascia, which is often benign. This is referred to as a plantar fibroma that might cause pain while walking and running. It is noticeable by the lump that forms on the bottom of the foot, generally in the center of the arch. The majority of experts agree it occurs due to genetic reasons or medical conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, and alcoholism. Other people can argue a plantar fibroma may develop after an injury occurs to the plantar fascia and the lump may be a natural reaction to the stress from the trauma. Mild relief may be found when the shoes that are worn have extra cushioning, or it may be beneficial to wear custom-made orthotics. If you have developed this condition it is advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can provide the treatment options that are correct for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. 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 Olympia Fields, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you have pain in your heel area, and it is worse in the morning after rising, you might have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.  Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include age, having flat feet, and stress put on the feet from things like a poor gait or improper exercise form. The older one is, the higher the risk for plantar fasciitis. The body loses some of its elasticity and flexibility, two things that help control inflammation. An improper gait or poor exercise form can also cause plantar fasciitis as if the weight of the body lands on the heel when walking or exercising, excess strain can be put on the plantar fascia. If you have heel pain that does not resolve itself with rest, see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Pain, swelling, and a reduced range of motion are symptoms of arthritis. It can occur in the joints in the feet, possibly causing difficulty in completing daily activities. This can be a debilitating disorder, and there are prevention methods that can be implemented which may help to diminish painful symptoms. These can include controlling what foods are eaten so a healthy weight can be maintained, and engaging in a routine exercise regime. Additionally, it is beneficial to stop smoking, if applicable, and controlling blood sugar can reduce stiffness in the joints. Patients who have arthritis may often seek treatment, which can include creams and ointments for pain relief, or drugs that can help to suppress the immune system. There are several types of arthritis, and if you have difficulty moving your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose arthritis, and offer treatment options for the specific type you may have.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM from Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

Some of the symptoms that are associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome can include pain in the overall foot, and the toes may feel weak and numb. The tarsal tunnel, located in the abkle, houses nerves, arteries, and tendons. It a crucial part in moving the foot, in addition to providing a maximum range of motion. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is repeated pressure on the nerve that connects the ankle to the foot due to a blockage of the tunnel. This can happen as a result of enduring a foot or ankle injury, or from having an abnormal foot structure. Additionally, medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders may lead to developing this ailment, and the affected foot can become uncomfortable and swollen. A proper diagnosis is often performed which consists of having an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI taken, in addition to undergoing a physical examination of the foot. If you have any of the above symptoms, please confer with a podiatrist who can help you with treatment options that are correct for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Eveleigh Williams, DPM of Sole 2 Sole, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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