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 Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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 Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . 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 Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. 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 Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Excess fluid in the body may result in having swollen feet. The medical term is oedema, which can happen for various reasons. Pregnant women are all too familiar with having swollen ankles, in addition to people who are overweight. Taking specific types of medication may produce swollen feet, such as hormone therapy, antidepressants, or blood pressure pills. An injury that happens to the feet may cause the ankles to swell, in addition to having existing kidney, liver or heart conditions. Mild relief may be found when salty foods are reduced from daily eating, a gentle exercise program is started, and the feet are frequently elevated. If you have swollen feet or ankles, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM of SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Having a vitamin deficiency may be a cause for cracked heels to develop. It can be an unsightly and uncomfortable foot condition. Mildly cracked heels affect the top layer of the skin, and it is generally a painless ailment. Fissures are defined as severely cracked heels that may bleed and become infected. Studies show that a lack of vitamin E may affect the collagen in the skin. This is linked to the drying effect that aging has on the skin and may increase the risk of developing cracked heels. It can be beneficial to add foods, such as sunflower seeds, salmon, and avocado to your diet, which are laden with vitamin E. Patients who do not get adequate amounts of vitamin B-3 in their diet may notice their skin becomes dry and scaly, which may be followed by getting cracked heels. If you have questions about how cracked heels are connected to vitamin deficiencies, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people endure the pain that can come from wearing high heels. This can be a result of the foot being forced into this type of shoe, and ending up in an unnatural position. This can cause the toes to push together as the heel extends up. Many women have discomfort from wearing high heels after approximately an hour, and may tend to ignore the pain. Wearing high heels can add sleekness to the leg, and the body can appear to be thinner and taller. Despite these favorable qualities, research has indicated that frequently wearing high heels may change the muscle balance surrounding the ankle joint, possibly leading to instability. High heels can push the center of gravity in the body up and forward, and changes to the posture may be needed to help maintain proper balance. If you would like additional information about the pros and cons of wearing high heels, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you in determining if wearing high heels is right for you.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Stephen Boykins, DPM from SoCal Podiatry, P.C.. Our doctor 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 offices located in Downey and Moreno Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.