A plantar fibroma is a benign, non-cancerous growth that develops within the plantar fascia. This strong band of tissue runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. A plantar fibroma usually appears as a firm lump within the arch. It may be small at first but can become more noticeable over time. Although the growth is not cancerous, it can cause discomfort while walking or standing. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of a new lump.

The exact cause of plantar fibroma is not always known. Repeated stress on the plantar fascia may contribute to its development. Risk factors can include family history, certain foot mechanics, and repeated pressure on the arch. People with conditions that affect connective tissue may also have an increased risk. Additionally, wearing shoes that place pressure directly over the lump can make symptoms more noticeable. Some people have no pain, while others develop tenderness or aching during activity.

Plantar fibroma symptoms commonly include a firm, noticeable nodule in the arch. The lump may feel tender when pressed or when standing for long periods of time. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces can make discomfort more noticeable. Tight shoes may also rub against the growth and increase irritation. A podiatrist can examine the foot and discuss your symptoms and medical history. Imaging, such as an ultrasound or an MRI scan, may be recommended when the diagnosis needs clarification.

Treatment depends on the size of the fibroma and how much it affects your daily activities. A podiatrist may begin with footwear changes, padding, or custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the growth.Your podiatrist may monitor the fibroma over time if symptoms remain mild, and more persistent cases may require additional treatment options. If you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. 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 Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that can change the appearance and condition of one or more toenails. The infection develops slowly, so early changes may be easy to overlook. Symptoms can include nail discoloration, thickening, and buildup beneath the nail. As the condition progresses, shoes may feel uncomfortable because the affected nail becomes thicker. Pain can develop when pressure reaches the nail or surrounding tissue.

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. Walking barefoot in shared wet areas can increase exposure. Risk factors include sweaty feet, tight footwear, and a history of fungal skin infections. People with slower nail growth may also have a greater chance of developing persistent changes. Recognizing these factors can encourage attention when nail appearance changes.

Toenail fungus can cause more than cosmetic concerns. Disfigurement may make nails look discolored, cloudy, or irregular. Brittle pieces may break away, while debris can collect beneath the nail. Discomfort may make wearing shoes unpleasant, and pain can occur when the nail presses against the shoe. A podiatrist evaluates the nail, surrounding skin, and symptoms. Lab tests may be used because psoriasis, trauma, and other nail disorders can resemble fungal infection.

A podiatrist creates treatment based on the infection and the condition of the nail. Care may include trimming or thinning the nail, or applying topical antifungal medication, when appropriate. Patients can support recovery by keeping feet dry and changing damp socks. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor new nail growth and treatment response overall. Nail improvement takes time because toenails grow slowly. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For more information about treatment, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors 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 contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tingling in the feet can cause feelings of pins and needles, numbness, or prickling. Persistent tingling warrants attention. Foot tingling can be linked to neuropathy, a condition involving damaged or irritated nerves. When nerve signals become disrupted, you may experience reduced sensation, weakness, or difficulty knowing where your feet are positioned. These changes can affect walking and increase the chance of feeling weak or unsteady on your feet. Recognizing symptoms can help protect mobility and support mobility.

Several causes can contribute to tingling feet and neuropathy. Diabetes is a risk factor because prolonged high blood sugar can damage nerves. Nerve compression, certain medications, and nutritional deficiencies may also contribute. Risk can increase with age or poor circulation. Neuropathy may cause burning pain, numbness, or reduced awareness of temperature. Loss of balance can occur when the feet provide fewer signals about the ground, which can make walking more challenging.

A podiatrist begins by reviewing your symptoms, medical history and concerns. The feet may be examined for changes in sensation, skin condition and circulation. The podiatrist may recommend testing or referral to identify the cause. Treatment focuses on the source and may include improving foot protection, managing pressure areas, and coordinating care for an underlying condition. Regular foot checks can help identify sores or injuries that might go unnoticed when sensation is reduced.

Taking symptoms seriously can help prevent complications. A podiatrist can develop a treatment plan and monitor changes. Treatment may improve comfort and protect the skin. Wearing  properly fitted shoes and having regular foot checks can support foot health. If tingling, numbness, or balance problems continue, do not ignore them. If your feet are affected by symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot problems caused by wearing high heels are a frequent concern, especially among people who wear them daily for work or social settings. High heels shift body weight forward, placing excessive pressure on the forefoot and toes. This unnatural position can lead to structural changes over time. Common conditions linked to high heel use include hammertoe and neuromas, both of which develop from repeated stress and compression. The altered foot position can also affect posture and disrupt natural walking patterns.

Symptoms often begin with mild discomfort, but can progress to more serious issues. Individuals may notice pain in the ball of the foot, swelling, redness, and burning sensations. Numbness may develop due to nerve irritation, especially in cases of neuroma. Hammertoe can cause visible bending of the toe joints, leading to friction and irritation in shoes. High heels also limit the power and motion of the ankle joint, reducing flexibility and increasing strain on surrounding muscles and tendons.

Risk factors include frequent use of wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes, prolonged standing, and poor foot support. Individuals with certain foot structures, such as high arches or imbalanced gait, may be more prone to developing complications. The instability created by elevated heels can increase the risk of falls and ankle injuries. Over time, these factors contribute to long term damage and discomfort if not addressed early.

Preventing foot problems begins with choosing supportive footwear and limiting the duration of high heel use. Stretching exercises and proper foot care can help maintain flexibility and reduce strain. Alternating shoe types and ensuring a proper fit can also improve comfort and alignment. If you have persistent foot or ankle pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips and guidance on choosing more appropriate footwear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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