Heel pain is a common issue that can result from various conditions affecting the foot. One of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the ligament running along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, causing sharp pain, especially in the morning. A heel spur, often associated with plantar fasciitis, is a bony growth that develops on the heel bone, leading to additional discomfort. Bursitis, the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs near the heel, can also contribute to pain. Another condition known as pump bump results from the irritation of the heel caused by wearing tight shoes, particularly high heels. Additionally, Achilles tendonitis, the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, can cause pain at the back of the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Plantar fibromatosis is a rare condition that affects the tissue on the bottom of the foot, causing the growth of benign nodules or lumps in the plantar fascia. These lumps are usually firm and may vary in size. The exact cause of plantar fibromatosis is not fully understood, but it may be linked to genetic factors, trauma, or certain health conditions like diabetes or liver disease. Symptoms typically include pain or discomfort in the foot, especially when walking or standing for extended periods. The lumps may gradually increase in size, leading to difficulty in movement or wearing shoes. While the condition is generally not harmful, it can cause significant discomfort. If you lump the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and treatment solutions.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, often leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. Older women are more likely to develop hammertoes due to years of wearing high heels, narrow-toed shoes, and unsupportive footwear that force the toes into unnatural positions. Over time, the muscles and tendons in the toes tighten, making the deformity permanent. Genetics, foot structure, and biomechanics also play a role, with women more prone to bunions and flat feet, both of which increase hammertoe risk. The condition often worsens with age, often leading to corns, calluses, and joint pain. Preventative measures include wearing roomier shoes with proper arch support and performing toe-stretching exercises. If you have a hammertoe and it becomes painful or rigid, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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