Items filtered by date: November 2022

If you notice a growth in the arch of your foot, it may indicate a plantar fibroma has developed. This is a benign nodule and is found in the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue on the sole of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. This fibroma grows slowly, generally less than one inch, yet it can cause the foot to ache. Research has possibly linked the cause of developing a plantar fibroma to genetic reasons and it may also be prevalent among the Northern European population. Additionally, there may be a connection between repeated foot injuries and the development of a plantar fibroma. People who have existing medical conditions like alcoholics, diabetic patients, and people with liver disease may be predisposed to this foot condition as well. There are various treatment methods for plantar fibroma and if you have pain in your arch, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can perform a diagnosis and offer the treatment technique that is right for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Associates. 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 Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Selecting the right kind of running shoe is critically important for any runner to not only feel their best during runs, but to also protect their feet from potential injury. Far more important than selecting a pair of running shoes for how they look is selecting shoes that fit. Something to be mindful of when choosing running shoes is how the ankle collar fits. This part of the running shoe wraps around the heel at the back of the shoe. The purpose of this feature of the shoe is to hold the heel in place. When selecting a pair of shoes, you might consider taking note of how the back of your foot interacts with the ankle collar. For example, notice if the padding in the ankle collar feels comfortable or if your heel is slipping out of the shoe. For more information about the ankle collar in running shoes, contact a podiatrist today. 

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Charcot foot is a rare, but serious, complication of peripheral neuropathy brought on by diabetes. It affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. Weakened joints can cause the bones to break and joints to dislocate. As a result, the shape of the foot changes. Charcot foot is deceptive and can be hard to diagnose, because symptoms include redness, hotness, and swelling. Because of that, it is often thought to be an infection. Although specific causes for Charcot foot are not clear, some conditions may help to indicate it. Often, because a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy cannot feel pain, a sprain or even a fracture can go unnoticed. In some cases, the foot becomes rounded on the bottom because the arch has collapsed. This also may indicate Charcot foot. Treatment varies from staying off the affected foot to surgery. People with Charcot foot may need to wear protective footwear, such as a cast, on a regular basis. If you suffer from diabetes and have developed peripheral neuropathy, it is highly recommended that you consult a podiatrist on a regular basis to monitor any unnoticed injuries that may indicate Charcot foot. 

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 David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. 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 Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Babies are cute, and their tiny feet are no exception. While toddlers' shoes are adorable, research has shown that children’s feet will benefit more by walking barefoot as often as possible. This can help the toes to become stronger, as they grip the floor or soft ground while outside. Walking in various areas, including grass and sand, can help to strengthen the entire foot and may help to aid in balancing on different types of surfaces. When it is time to purchase their first pair of shoes, it is helpful if they are made of lightweight materials that are soft and flexible. This type of shoe may help to protect the foot’s soft cartridge until the bones begin to develop. Eventually, they can graduate to a more durable shoe, as they are walking and running faster. If you would like additional information about the importance of choosing the right shoes for your baby and toddler, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Northampton and Allentown, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has shown that a broken ankle is the most common type of bone injury. Broken ankles can occur for various reasons such as overuse from excessive walking or running and being predisposed to fractures. Additionally, a broken ankle may happen from unexpectedly stepping off a curb and twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. This can weaken the ankle bones and cause the ankle to become displaced. Common symptoms associated with an ankle fracture include immediate bruising, swelling, and the inability to put weight on the affected foot. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which often consists of having an X-ray taken, treatment can begin. The X-ray can be used to determine the severity of the break, and proper treatment methods are based on the information it provides. Various techniques are used to treat a broken ankle, and if you have endured this type of injury, please consult a podiatrist who can help you with effective approaches to treat a broken ankle.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact David A. Edmonds, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Associates. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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