Items filtered by date: October 2022

A growth, or lesion that is found in the arch of the foot may be indicative of a plantar fibroma. It is considered to be benign, and it develops in the thick tissue of the plantar fascia. This is the portion of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and provides stability to the arch. A plantar fibroma generally develops slowly, and may be more prevalent in young adults. There may be existing medical ailments that can cause a plantar fibroma to develop, such as being diabetic, having an alcohol use disorder, or possibly from being an epileptic. The condition that is known as plantar fibromatosis may happen when the lesion begins to get larger, and multiple growths develop on the sole of the foot. Patients may notice pain and discomfort as the fibroma becomes larger, and may worsen when standing for long periods at a time. This is a condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and it is strongly advised that you contact this type of doctor if you are afflicted with this condition.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied of Palos 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 office located in Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

When an individual endures a foot stress fracture, they are essentially developing tiny cracks in the bones of their feet. Importantly, these stress fractures can result from overuse. Stress fractures in the feet can have several different causes. One of the possible causes is pregnancy. Although it is admittedly rare, a pregnant woman may develop osteoporosis, which is a condition that weakens the bones. It is possible that osteoporosis could then cause a stress fracture. Additionally, women can sometimes gain weight as they bring a baby to term. This weight gain can increase the likelihood of the development of stress fractures. If you are or thinking about becoming pregnant, you can talk with a podiatrist today to learn about the ways you can guard your feet against stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Diabetics frequently end up with a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage that affects the toes and feet, as well as other extremities. Its most common symptom is shooting pain, along with tingling, burning, and numbness. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can also affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. People who have had diabetes for 25 years or more and those who are unable to control their blood sugar levels are most susceptible to developing neuropathy. There is no known cure for this condition, but it can be treated. Managing blood sugar levels is the paramount treatment, followed by pain management with certain medications. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, ceasing alcohol intake, and stopping smoking are other effective ways to lessen the discomfort of diabetic neuropathy. Experts also recommend a daily exercise regime. If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, please consult a podiatrist who can offer a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.

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 Dr. John P. Beaupied from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Palos Heights, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it may be indicative of a foot condition referred to as plantar fasciitis. Research has shown plantar fasciitis affects approximately 10% of the population worldwide, and often causes severe heel pain. The plantar fascia, found on the sole of the foot, is a band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Excessive running or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed. Additionally, plantar fasciitis may develop from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day, or if the tissue becomes overstretched. Relief may be found when specific stretches are performed and shoes that are worn that have adequate cushioning. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to permanently repair the plantar fascia. In patients who are overweight, it is suggested that eating healthy foods can help to reduce the effect body’s weight has on the soles of the feet. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. John P. Beaupied  from Palos Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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