Plantar Fibromatosis: I’ve got you under my skin!

It’s almost painful just to learn about all of the conditions that afflict your feet as you move into middle age and beyond. When does it all end?

Fibromatosis is a condition where excess collagen (fibroma), or fibrotic tissue, causes the development of small, hard nodules beneath the skin on the bottom of the foot. They may grow and increase in density over a period of time, but eventually this ceases. The good news is that it’s generally non-cancerous. The bad news is it can make walking or standing a nightmare. However, there is a big disparity among men and women. Fibromatosis happens to men approximately ten times more than women.

The most recognizable plantar fibromatosis symptoms are hard nodules under the skin and pain. Although there are circumstances that can “open the door” to the development of plantar fibromatosis, there is no known definitive cause. Trauma, genetics and certain medications or supplements all may play a role in the development of this condition.

Possible causes include:

• Injury
• Genetics
• Medicines, vitamins and dietary supplements

Other contributing factors are chronic liver disease, diabetes, and seizure disorders. These conditions may not contribute, but rather the medications used to heal or treat them are the primary culprits. As the surges in numbers of people suffering these conditions increases, so will the number of cases of fibromatosis continue to rise.

There are many treatment options for plantar fibromatosis, which include invasive or non-invasive.

Invasive treatment options include:

• Injections, which are put directly into the fibroma.
• Surgery, which can include the removal of the fibroma, or the removal of the complete plantar fascia. Surgery includes a long recovery time and may lead to other foot problems.

Non-invasive treatment options include:

• Topical application
• Stretching
• Orthotics
• Padding
• Physical therapy

There are several stretching exercises of the calf and arch that may be beneficial and help with the discomfort. These stretching exercises should first be done under the supervision of a physical therapist. This will ensure that the exercises are done correctly.

If you have symptoms that you think may indicate plantar fibromatosis, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and set up an appointment today. Dr. Bowman will conduct a comprehensive foot evaluation in order to determine your exact symptoms and then develop a treatment plan. He can diagnose and treat any foot condition. Step into his office for unparalleled foot care because you’ll step out feeling better!

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/319755-plantar-fibromatosis-exercises/
http://www.pdlabs.net/plantar_fibromatosis/whatisplantarfibromatosis.html

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Plantar Warts - Small and Annoyingly Painful

Are you experiencing small and fleshy growths on your feet?  Perhaps these growths are a little painful or tender when you walk?  If you said yes, then you may be experiencing plantar warts.  Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are typically non-cancerous and appear on the bottom of the foot or toes, usually at a point that bears pressure.

Plantar warts are caused by small breaks in the skin, which can allow the virus to gain entry to the body, and if the body’s natural immunities are not too sufficient to ward off the virus, it can grow and sometimes spread.  They are characterized by a thickened callous like area, and often have small dark dots, which are tiny blood vessels. If they do grow, they may require treatment.

Treatment varies, and takes time. However, there are some over the counter products available, usually containing Salicylic Acid, that may allow the wart to diminish and eventually disappear. Other possible treatments may include freezing the wart or warts, and surgical removal may be necessary. Houston Foot Specialists also has a laser treatment for removing plantar warts. Also, if the wart grows inward, it can be painful. The wart may appear small on the outside, but become larger as it grows up into the foot. Plantar Warts should be treated early to prevent growth and spreading. During treatment, you may need to pad the area to help relieve pressure, so comfortable shoes are a must.  Keep the inside of shoes clean and dry. Also, protect your feet from re-infection by using shower shoes and not going barefoot in gym and shower areas. Avoid the desire to pick or scratch at the area.

If you suspect you have plantar warts, and live in the Houston area, call 713-467-8886 for an appointment or visit our website. We would be happy to assist you in a treatment program.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Plantar-warts/DS00509

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Heel Pain - It's Not Worth Living With

Do you have heel pain?  Heel pain is the most common foot problem that brings people to podiatrists.  The heel bone is the biggest bone in your foot, and it also takes most of the pounding when walking.  If you are experiencing pain in your heels, there are a couple things it could be.

The most common cause of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis.  This occurs when the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot is torn.  If you have this, you’ll notice that the heel pain is the worst when you wake up in the morning.  The reason why is that the ligament were healing during the night and reattaching, but when you put weight on your foot getting out of bed, they tear again.

On some cases, the pain in your heel could be coming from a stress fracture in your heel.  This could be a result from a major strike to your heel, like falling from a high height and landing on your heels.  If this is the case, you need to consult a podiatrist right away.

One other cause for heel pain is Haglund’s Deformity.  This is enlargement on the back of the heel bone.  This is a painful bump that is irritated by the constant rubbing of shoes.  If you have a large lump on the back of your heel, this is probably the source of your pain. 

If you have any other questions or concerns about heel pain or anything relating to feet and ankles, we at Houston Foot Specialists would like to talk to you.  Give us a call at 713-467-8886 or take a stroll around our website.  Make sure to check out our “Patient Education” section to learn more about feet, ankles and the problems that can occur with them.

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Running in the bare …

There is a growing trend occurring among runners – running without shoes.  You may think “ouch” right away; I know I did, but some studies from Harvard have proven that running barefoot enhances stride and prevents injury.  And surprisingly some runners find that it’s more enjoyable than running with shoes.

However, before you make the decision to try running barefoot, you should look at all the factors and decide if this is best for your feet.

Pros of running barefoot:

    •        You could develop a more natural gait, and strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the foot.

    •        You will land on the forefoot rather than your heel.  When you land on your heel it puts on the breaks every step.  But when you land on your forefoot it allows your arches to act as natural shock absorbers.

    •        You could improve your balance.  Without shoes you activate the smaller muscles in your feet, ankles, legs and hips that are responsible for better balance and coordination.

    •        When you run barefoot you may feel more grounded.  It helps you improve balance and becomes a more solid and connected base that supports your movements. 

Cons of running barefoot:

    •        You have no foot protection from cold weather and road debris, such as glass, nails, and rocks.

    •        Running with bare feet can increase Achilles Tendinitis, calf strain and Plantar pain. 

    •        Blisters!  Until you have acclimated to running barefoot, expect blisters until calluses have formed. 

    •        The fat pads on the bottoms of your feet will get thinner overtime, which make barefoot running a long-term risk and could result in more problems with your feet.

    •        No shoes will lead to funny looks from people.  It’s not a common practice among people to run without shoes, so get ready for looks and questions.   

Still unsure?  I would encourage you to consult with Dr. Jeffrey Bowman, DPM before you decide to venture into a world of running barefoot. 

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