Items filtered by date: September 2022

Corns can develop on one’s feet as a protective mechanism against friction or pressure. Corns typically have a dense core at the center, and they come in different types (hard corns and soft corns). Many individuals living with corns on the feet will not notice any symptoms associated with their condition. Others, however, might experience pain or irritation when walking. Patients with corns on the feet often wonder how long this condition typically lasts. Although it can vary from case to case, corns could be a long-term problem if nothing is done to address the cause. For instance, if you continue to wear ill-fitting footwear that rubs against your skin, this can exacerbate the emergence of corns. Additionally, if you can not correct problems in your gait that subject specific parts of your feet to friction or pressure, this can increase the risk of developing corns. If you have corns, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous nodule in the arch of the foot that is noticeable and firm to the touch. It is embedded in the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot. This can occur in one or both feet, it is usually a benign development, and it can remain the same size, get bigger, or multiply over time. This problem may or may not cause pain, but when pain is felt, it is often due to shoes pushing up against the lump in the arch. Pain can also arise when walking or standing barefoot. Specific causes for this condition have not been identified. Nonsurgical treatment, such as steroid injections, orthotics, or physical therapy, may help relieve pain of a plantar fibroma, but it will not make the mass go away. Surgical removal of the fibroma can be considered if nonsurgical approaches do not work, but this can lead to a flat foot or hammertoes. This condition has a high incidence of recurrence, and it is suggested that you see a podiatrist if you think that you have a plantar fibroma to confirm the diagnosis and get a professional opinion on the right treatment for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Participating in sports is not only fun, but it also supports physical fitness and teaches teamwork. However, sports can also be dangerous. Some sports like football, basketball, soccer, tennis, and running have more potential to lead to foot and ankle injuries than others. These sports have a high risk of causing Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains, in addition to blisters, turf toe, stress fractures, metatarsal fractures, ankle impingement, and plantar fasciitis. Athletes can help prevent injuries by warming up, gradually increasing movement, wearing well-fitting footwear for their sport, and using other protective gear. If you suffer from a foot or ankle injury while playing sports, see a podiatrist for an informed diagnosis and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Harlis Family Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.