A plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition is part of a group of disorders known as plantar fibromatosis. The growth typically appears as a small, firm nodule in the arch area and may increase in size over time. Although non-cancerous, a plantar fibroma can interfere with normal walking and cause ongoing discomfort. Understanding this condition helps individuals recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate care.

Symptoms of a plantar fibroma often begin subtly with a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot. The nodule may feel firm to the touch and can become painful when pressure is applied, especially while standing or walking. Some individuals experience a dull ache or irritation when wearing shoes that press against the arch. As the fibroma grows, it may lead to changes in gait or foot positioning due to discomfort. Pain levels vary, but the presence of a persistent lump should not be ignored.

The exact cause of a plantar fibroma is not always clear, but several factors are believed to contribute. Repeated stress or strain on the plantar fascia may play a role in tissue thickening. Genetic predisposition is another important factor, as individuals with a family history of fibrous tissue conditions may be at higher risk. Additional risk factors include foot trauma, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors that place excessive pressure on the feet. These combined elements may lead to the formation of fibrous nodules within the fascia.

Managing a plantar fibroma involves reducing pressure on the affected area and monitoring changes in size or discomfort. Wearing supportive footwear, cushioning inserts, and activity modification may help relieve symptoms. Early evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. If you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective management solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. 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 Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Minimally invasive foot surgery is an advanced podiatric technique that corrects structural foot problems through very small incisions. Unlike traditional open procedures, this approach uses specialized instruments and imaging guidance to treat conditions with precision while limiting disruption to surrounding tissues. It is commonly used in modern podiatry for patients seeking effective correction with a more efficient recovery process. This method reflects a shift toward patient-centered care that prioritizes both outcomes and comfort.

Patients who undergo minimally invasive foot surgery often report less post operative pain, reduced swelling, and minimal scarring. Because the incisions are small, the body experiences less trauma, which can support quicker healing and earlier return to daily activities. Many individuals are able to walk sooner compared to traditional surgery, depending on the condition being treated. These benefits make it an appealing option for those with busy lifestyles or those who want to avoid extended downtime.

Common foot conditions treated with this technique include bunions, hammertoes, and certain cases of plantar fasciitis. Symptoms that may indicate the need for surgical correction include persistent pain, joint stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Risk factors such as wearing improper footwear, repetitive stress, and biomechanical imbalance can contribute to these issues. A podiatrist evaluates each case carefully to determine whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate.

Choosing the right treatment begins with a proper diagnosis and a clear understanding of available options. Minimally invasive foot surgery offers a modern solution that blends precision with patient comfort, making it an important advancement in foot care. If you have consistent foot pain from a specific condition,  it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to discuss minimally invasive options and receive appropriate care tailored to your needs.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Parents are sometimes surprised to notice that a baby's toenail appears to be growing into the surrounding skin. In many cases, the nail is simply soft and naturally curved, making it look ingrown without causing a problem. A true ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail presses into the skin and causes irritation. This condition occurs most often on the big toe. Babies, toddlers, and young children can all develop an ingrown toenail. Causes include nails that curve inward, trimming the corners too short, and pressure from shoes that are too tight. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain when the toe is touched. If the area becomes infected, drainage or pus can appear, and the skin can become increasingly swollen and sore.

A podiatrist can determine whether a child's toenail is truly ingrown or simply has a normal curve. This examination is important because treatment depends on the condition of the nail and the surrounding skin. A podiatrist can gently remove the portion of the nail causing irritation while protecting the healthy tissue. When infections are present, prompt treatment helps reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of the infection spreading. Children with recurring ingrown toenails can also be evaluated to determine whether the shape of the nail or another foot problem is contributing to repeated episodes.

Parents can help reduce the chance of ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across instead of rounding the corners. Shoes should fit properly and leave enough room for growing toes. Regularly checking a child's feet also helps identify early signs of redness or swelling before the condition becomes more painful. Babies and young children cannot always explain where they hurt, so changes in walking, fussiness, or avoiding pressure on one foot deserve attention. If your child has symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Katie Besselman, DPM of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

Pickleball is a fast growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It requires quick directional changes, lateral movement, and sudden stops. These movements place repeated stress on the feet and ankles, increasing the risk of injury. Foot and ankle injuries related to pickleball often occur due to overuse, improper footwear, or sudden twisting motions. Because the sport is played on hard courts, impact forces are transferred directly through the lower extremities, which can strain muscles, ligaments, and bones.

Symptoms of pickleball related injuries may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the foot or ankle. Common conditions include ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon strain, and stress fractures. An ankle sprain may present with instability and tenderness on the outer ankle, while plantar fasciitis often causes heel pain that is worse in the morning. Stress fractures may develop gradually, leading to persistent pain that worsens with activity. Recognizing these symptoms early is important to prevent worsening injury.

Several risk factors contribute to foot and ankle injuries in pickleball players. Inadequate warm up, poor flexibility, and muscle imbalances can increase strain on the lower extremities. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or traction may lead to slips or improper foot positioning. Playing on hard surfaces without adequate shock absorption can also increase stress on the feet. Age, previous injuries, and sudden increases in activity level may further elevate the risk of injury during play.

It is important to understand that pickleball is physically demanding on the feet and ankles, making proper preparation and support essential. Understanding the types of injuries and their causes can help players take preventive measures and respond quickly to symptoms. If you have foot or ankle pain from playing pickleball, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and guidance toward effective prevention tips.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Katie Besselman, DPM from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Saint Peters, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.