Plantar fibromatosis is a condition where firm nodules develop within the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot. Symptoms often include one or more slow growing lumps in the arch, tenderness with pressure, and discomfort when standing or walking. The area may look slightly raised or thickened, and the nodules can feel firm or rubbery under the skin. Pain may range from mild irritation to sharp soreness, especially in shoes. Causes are not always clear but may include genetics, repetitive foot stress, diabetes, or certain medications. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a physical examination, reviewing medical history, and using imaging if needed to confirm diagnosis. Treatment options include custom orthotics, footwear modification, or injection therapy, with surgery reserved for severe cases. Early care helps manage symptoms and slow progression. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if you are having issues. 

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM of Lake Mendocino 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 offices located in Lakeport and Ukiah, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Dry, cracked heels develop when the skin loses moisture and becomes less flexible, making it easier for small splits to form. These cracks can feel rough, tender, or irritated, especially when standing for long periods of time or wearing open backed shoes. Some people notice flakes of skin or deep fissures that catch on fabric and make walking uncomfortable. The problem can worsen in dry climates, during colder months, or when the skin is exposed to repeated friction. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, remove thickened skin safely, and recommend products that restore moisture without irritating sensitive areas. Guidance on footwear and daily habits can also help reduce pressure on the heels and prevent recurrence. If dryness or cracking continues or begins to cause discomfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

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

Weight loss can have a significant effect on the structure and function of the feet. As body weight decreases, the stress on the arches, joints, and soft tissues of the feet is reduced, which can alleviate pain and improve mobility. Changes in weight can also alter gait and balance, affecting how the feet absorb shock and distribute pressure during walking or exercise. While these changes are often positive, they may also reveal underlying issues such as flat feet, bunions, or joint stiffness that were previously masked by excess weight. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and guide exercises to maintain proper alignment. If you have foot discomfort during or after weight loss, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief solutions.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM from Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Corns on the feet are areas of thickened skin that form due to repeated friction or pressure, often caused by tight shoes, foot deformities, or abnormal gait patterns. They usually appear as small, raised, and hardened bumps that may look yellowish or translucent, and they often feel tender, sharp, or burning when pressure is applied. Symptoms include localized pain, sensitivity when walking, and discomfort that worsens in certain footwear. A podiatrist begins care by examining the affected area, identifying the underlying cause, and determining whether the corn is associated with structural issues or repetitive stress. Treatment may involve safe and sterile trimming of the thickened skin, custom orthotics to redistribute pressure, padding, footwear modifications, and guidance on proper skin care. For more stubborn corns, a podiatrist may recommend additional therapies to prevent recurrence and improve overall foot function. If you have a painful corn, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to receive proper evaluation and relief.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Matthew McQuaid, DPM of Lake Mendocino Podiatry. Our doctor 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 doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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