A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe due to misalignment of the foot’s bones. This condition causes the tip of the big toe to shift toward the smaller toes, leading to discomfort, swelling, and difficulty walking. When conservative treatments are not effective, bunion surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and correct the deformity. An osteotomy involves cutting and realigning the bone to restore proper positioning. An exostectomy focuses on removing the bony prominence without realigning the joint. An arthrodesis fuses the affected joint to eliminate movement and pain, while a resection arthroplasty removes a portion of the bone to create more space within the joint. Each procedure is chosen based on the severity of the bunion and the patient’s individual needs to improve function and comfort. If you have a bunion that is painful, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is right for you, and which type you would most benefit from.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM of Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. 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 offices located in Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. This firm lump is usually found in the arch and may cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Symptoms include a noticeable mass under the skin, tenderness, and pressure-related pain. The exact cause is not always clear, but trauma to the foot, certain medications, and improper footwear may contribute to its development. Some health conditions, including diabetes and liver disease associated with alcoholism, have also been linked to plantar fibromas. Treatment options focus on reducing discomfort through orthotics and stretching, as well as other medical interventions. If you have one or more lumps on the sole of your foot, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Nrup Tolat, DPM of Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. 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 Woodstock and Atlanta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The condition of your feet can provide important clues about your overall health. Cold feet may indicate poor circulation, which can be a sign of conditions like peripheral artery disease or diabetes. Persistent foot pain that does not improve with rest may suggest arthritis, nerve damage, or an underlying structural issue. Changes in the nails, including discoloration, thickening, or brittleness, can be linked to fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, or even thyroid disorders. Additionally, burning foot pain may be a symptom of nerve damage, often associated with diabetes or vitamin B deficiency. Paying attention to these signs and seeking medical advice when necessary can help detect health issues early. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and determine if it is an indicator of additional health issues.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Nrup Tolat, DPM from Atlanta Total Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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