Items filtered by date: May 2023

A plantar fibroma causes soft tissue swelling in the sole of the foot. Sometimes when a patient has this affliction, one or more nodules can form in the soft tissue of the feet. It can happen in one foot or both feet at the same time. This condition can cause painful swelling in the feet and walking can be difficult. Plantar fibromas can be confused with benign Morton neuromas, cysts or more serious and malignant sarcomas. If you have swelling or uncomfortable foot nodules, it is strongly suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot and ankle expert can provide a proper diagnosis using radiographic imaging and suggest appropriate treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive 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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Practicing good diabetic foot care is essential for maintaining proper foot health. Having elevated glucose levels in the blood can lead to developing diabetes, and the feet are often affected. Research has shown that approximately half of diabetic patients have nerve damage, which is the inability to feel existing cuts, bruises, or scrapes that are on the feet. A foot care routine can begin with washing and drying the feet, followed by inspecting the soles of the feet for any abnormalities. This can be done by using a mirror, or a family member or caregiver may be able to help. Effective foot care tips can include following a healthy eating plan, engaging in a gentle exercise program, and refraining from smoking, if applicable. It is important to wear shoes while walking inside or outdoors, in addition to trimming the toenails straight across. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition. 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People with a big toe joint problem often assume it is from a bunion. However, other things can look like a bunion but are entirely different. Bunions are bony bumps that form on the sides of big toes. They result from a misalignment of the big toe joint and are not bone growths. Arthritis affecting the big toe joint can look like a bunion because a bone spur can develop on the joint. The skin on the bone spur can be inflamed and red, resembling a bunion. These bone spurs often occur on the top of the big toe joint rather than on the side of the joint. A ganglion cyst is a firm, fluid-filled sac that can occur on the big toe joint and be mistaken for a bunion, but is softer to the touch. Gout is yet another affliction that can affect the big toe joint and cause symptoms of redness and swelling, looking like a bunion. If you notice something different about your big toe joint and wonder if it is a bunion, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An individual requires a significant amount of water every day. Many people drink far less water than is recommended on a daily basis. This might become problematic during a pregnancy. Pregnant women can reap many health benefits by drinking water daily and staying hydrated. Some of these benefits are linked to foot health. For example, when pregnant women drink a lot of water during pregnancy, this can reduce the amount of salt in the body, which leads to a reduction in puffiness or swelling. Drinking coffee can complicate matters by exacerbating dehydration. If you are pregnant or planning to be, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so that you can plan to best protect the health of your feet. 

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Having flat feet, medically known as pes planus, is the result of collapsed arches that absorb the shock of each step you take. The three main types of flat feet are flexible pes planus, posterior tibial dysfunction, and a tight Achilles tendon. Flexible flat feet is the most common type, indicated if the arch disappears when the foot bears weight. It is generally not painful, and with proper arch support can be contained. If the posterior Achilles tendon is torn, swollen, or has become injured, flat feet can result. This type can be caused by obesity, hypertension, or diabetes. When the tension between the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon is too tight, it may cause arch pain when you are active. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arches develop as the baby grows, so it should not be a cause for alarm. In adults, however, it may be harmful to ignore flat feet, because the pain from overpronation can spread to the legs, knees, hips, and back. For help with any type of flat feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide proper treatment options.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.