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Southwestern Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C
11500 Highway 121, Building 700, Suite 710
Frisco, TX 75035
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Facts About Plantar Fibromas

A plantar fibroma is a firm, noncancerous growth that develops within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. A fibroma typically appears as a small, noticeable lump in the arch that may gradually increase in size. The exact cause is not always clear, but genetic factors are believed to play a role, and repeated foot strain or trauma may contribute to its development. Symptoms can include localized tenderness, discomfort while walking, and a sensation of pressure when standing for long periods of time. Although some fibromas remain painless, others may interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can evaluate the growth and recommend supportive care or advanced treatment options. If you have signs of a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, 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 office located in Frisco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Knowing When to Replace Walking Shoes

Knowing when to replace walking shoes is important for protecting foot health and maintaining proper support with every step. Over time, the cushioning and stability in walking shoes gradually break down, even if the shoes still appear intact. Most walking shoes are designed to last between 350 and 500 miles, which often equals three to six months for people who walk regularly. Worn shoes can alter gait mechanics and place added stress on the feet, ankles, knees, and lower legs. Body weight, walking frequency, and surface type can all influence how quickly shoes wear out. Common signs of excessive wear include uneven sole breakdown, reduced shock absorption, visible creasing in the midsole, or changes in walking comfort. A podiatrist can evaluate walking patterns, inspect shoe wear, and recommend appropriate footwear based on foot structure and activity level. For help with foot pain caused by walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Causes and Symptoms of Splay Foot

Splay foot describes a widening of the front of the foot, caused by loss of the transverse arch and leading to forefoot instability and altered walking mechanics. Splay foot may develop from inherited foot structure, ligament weakness, excess body weight, prior injury, or repeated stress on the mid-foot. As the metatarsal bones spread, people often notice increasing foot width, discomfort when standing or walking, and shoes that feel tight or wear unevenly. Painful calluses beneath the ball of the foot, burning or tingling sensations, fatigue, and a tendency to walk on the outer edge of the foot are common symptoms. Splay foot can contribute to bunions, hammertoes, and strain that affects posture and gait. A podiatrist can evaluate alignment and identify contributing factors. If your toes are widely separated and are causing pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Thomas Tran from Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

  • Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
  • In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

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Burning Pain Between the Toes

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that most commonly affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. It develops when the tissue around a nerve thickens due to irritation, pressure, or repeated stress. Tight shoes, high heels, and high impact activities can increase the risk. Patients often describe a sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes. Some report numbness, tingling, or the feeling of a pebble trapped inside the shoe. The area may look normal from the outside, but the discomfort can make walking difficult. A podiatrist begins with a thorough examination and may use imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes shoe modifications, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, targeted exercises, or carefully placed injections to reduce irritation. In persistent cases, a minor surgical procedure may be considered. If you think you may have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for proper evaluation and care.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Thomas Tran of Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Read more about Morton's Neuroma

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

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Southwestern Foot & Ankle Associates, P.C.
11500 Highway 121, Building 700, Suite 710
Frisco, TX 75035

Phone: 972-335-9071

Fax: 972-335-8920

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