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Plantar Fibroma and Surgical Treatment Options

A plantar fibroma is a firm, noncancerous growth that forms within the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. It can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking, especially when pressure is applied. When conservative treatments fail, surgery may be recommended to remove the fibroma and relieve tension on the surrounding tissue. The procedure involves making an incision in the sole of the foot to carefully remove the fibrous mass while preserving healthy structures. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and guide recovery after surgery. If you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss treatment options with you, which may include surgery for permanent removal.
Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Understanding Morton’s Neuroma in the Ball of the Foot

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve becomes thickened due to irritation or compression. It is often caused by wearing tight shoes, high heels, or engaging in repetitive activities that put pressure on the forefoot. Symptoms include sharp, burning pain, numbness, tingling, or the sensation of standing on a pebble. The affected area may look normal but can feel tender or sensitive to touch. Walking or standing for long periods of time often increases the pain. A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI scan, to confirm nerve involvement. Treatment options include footwear modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and, in some cases, surgery. Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Morton's neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
When Toenails Cause More Than Cosmetic Concerns

Ingrown toenails and toenail fungus are common foot issues that can lead to pain and infection if not properly treated. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often due to improper trimming, tight footwear, or injury. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes drainage or infection. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is caused by fungal organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments. It often appears as thickened, discolored, brittle, or distorted nails that may emit an unpleasant odor. Both conditions can be uncomfortable and unsightly. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the problem through physical examination and, in the case of fungal infections, lab testing. Treatment options for ingrown nails may include trimming, lifting the nail edge, or partial nail removal. For toenail fungus, treatments can include topical or oral antifungal medications or nail debridement. To prevent worsening symptoms or complications, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM of Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
- Bacterial infections
- Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
- Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
- Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
- Genetic predisposition
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
When Heel Pain Strikes

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition often develops due to overuse, wearing improper footwear, high arches, or prolonged standing. Symptoms include sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The pain may ease with movement, but often returns after long periods of standing or walking. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam, medical history, and sometimes imaging to rule out other conditions. Treatment options may include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, night splints, or anti-inflammatory medications. Addressing the issue early can prevent chronic discomfort and long-term complications. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Excessive running
- Having high arches in your feet
- Other foot issues such as flat feet
- Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
- Being on your feet very often
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
- Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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