Plantar fibromatosis is a condition in which firm nodules form within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. These nodules can cause discomfort when standing, walking, or wearing certain shoes. The exact cause is not always clear, but genetics, repeated stress on the feet, and certain medical conditions may contribute to its development. Symptoms often include lumps in the arch, soreness, and gradual changes in foot comfort. A podiatrist can help by evaluating the nodules, recommending supportive footwear, providing orthotics, and offering treatments that reduce pressure and discomfort. If you notice lumps or pain in your arch, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can address the condition early and protect your ability to move comfortably. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Swollen feet can develop for many reasons and often signal an underlying issue that needs attention. Common causes include prolonged standing, injuries that lead to inflammation, and venous insufficiency where blood struggles to return to the heart. More serious health concerns such as heart or kidney disease can also contribute to fluid buildup in the feet and ankles. Symptoms may include puffiness, tight skin, discomfort, or reduced mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, provide targeted treatment, and recommend strategies to reduce swelling and improve circulation. If you notice frequent or persistent swelling in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist for expert care and appropriate relief options.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Senior foot care is an important part of staying active, balanced, and independent. A simple daily foot check helps identify changes, including redness, swelling, or sores, before they worsen. Washing and drying the feet thoroughly keeps the skin healthy, while applying moisturizer, but not between the toes, helps prevent cracking. Trimming toenails straight across reduces the risk of ingrown nails, and choosing shoes that fit well supports stability and protects delicate skin. A podiatrist can address foot pain, toenail problems, circulation concerns, and other changes related to aging. If you or an elderly loved one have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot care tips.

If you need your feet checked, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters are a common problem while wearing high heels because friction builds up with every step, especially during long periods of walking or standing. Wearing tight or narrow heels increases rubbing on the toes and heels, which leads to painful fluid filled pockets on the skin, known as blisters. Prevention starts with choosing heels that fit properly, and many people find relief by buying a size larger for more room. Wearing wedges provides more stability and reduces pressure on the foot, and alternating heels with flat shoes throughout the day helps limit irritation. A podiatrist can assess problem areas, recommend protective padding, and treat existing blisters safely before they become infected. If blisters are slowing you down, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.