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Why Is There a Lump on My Foot?

A lump on the foot can cause discomfort and make walking difficult. One common reason is a plantar fibroma, which is a firm knot that grows in the arch of the foot along the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that stretches from the heel to the toes. This lump is not cancerous, but it can be painful when shoes press against it or when standing for long periods. The exact cause of a plantar fibroma is not always known, but it may form after small injuries to the plantar fascia. Some lumps stay the same size, while others increase in size over time. A podiatrist can confirm the source of the fibroma through an exam and may suggest custom shoe inserts to reduce pressure, steroid injections to ease pain, or, in more severe cases, surgery to remove the lump. If you have a lump on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kevin Davis of Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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How to Find Relief From Cracked Heels

The medical condition that is known as cracked heels can often cause discomfort, and in severe cases, it may be unsightly. It occurs when the skin splits, forming cracks. Deep cracks are known as fissures. Common reasons for this to occur can include standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, or wearing shoes that have an open back. Additionally, specific medical conditions can cause this condition, including psoriasis, diabetes, and circulation issues. Patients who are overweight may notice cracked heels developing, and this may be a result of the added weight that the feet endure. Relief may be found when shoes that have a back are worn, and it can help to soak the feet in warm water. It is beneficial to exfoliate the heels, followed by applying a good moisturizer. If you are afflicted with cracked heels, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

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Choosing the Right Shoes for Restaurant Workers

Restaurant workers spend long hours on hard floors, making proper footwear essential for comfort, safety, and foot health. Shoes should provide slip resistance to prevent falls in kitchens or dining areas. Comfort is critical, with adequate cushioning and arch support to reduce fatigue during long shifts. Durability ensures shoes withstand daily wear, while easy to clean materials maintain hygiene. Wearing improper shoes can lead to foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or joint problems. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, recommend suitable work footwear, and provide treatments for any foot issues caused by long hours on your feet. If you have foot pain from wearing inadequate shoes at work, it is suggested that you consult a doctor who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about How to Handle a Long Work Day on Your Feet

Neuropathy and Its Effects on the Feet

Neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the nerves, often affecting the feet. It can involve sensory nerves, which transmit sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch. Motor nerves control muscle movement, and autonomic nerves regulate involuntary functions like sweating and blood flow. Damage to these nerves can lead to symptoms including numbness, tingling, burning sensations, weakness, balance difficulties, and changes in skin or toenail health. Early recognition and management are vital to prevent complications. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, provide treatments to relieve discomfort, recommend protective footwear, and develop a comprehensive care plan. If you have unusual sensations or pain in your feet, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and guidance.

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. Kevin Davis from Davis Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Springfield, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

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