Plantar fibroma excision is a minor outpatient procedure lasting 30 to 40 minutes, performed to remove a benign fibrous nodule from the plantar fascia of the foot. This condition often appears as a firm lump in the arch that may cause pain with weight bearing, discomfort while wearing shoes, or the sensation of a mass beneath the foot. While excision offers relief, there are risks such as recurrence of the fibroma or numbness due to nerve involvement. A podiatrist evaluates the need for surgery based on symptoms and failed conservative treatments, guiding patients through diagnosis, imaging, and aftercare. If you are struggling with persistent foot arch discomfort or difficulty walking due to a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for expert evaluation and treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails are typically classified based on severity and depth of nail penetration into the surrounding skin. A mild ingrown toenail involves redness, swelling, and slight tenderness where the nail edge presses against the skin. A moderate ingrown toenail may cause increased pain, drainage, and signs of infection as the nail begins to pierce the skin. A severe ingrown toenail often includes significant inflammation, pus, overgrowth of tissue, and difficulty walking due to intense discomfort. Chronic cases may result in repeated infections or thickened skin. Each stage may require a different approach to care, from at-home soaking and nail trimming to professional treatment such as partial nail removal. If you are experiencing persistent or painful symptoms, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications and restore comfort.

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 one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition may be present from childhood or develop over time due to injury, aging, or medical conditions that affect the tendons and ligaments. Flat feet can lead to discomfort, swelling, fatigue in the feet and legs, and problems with walking or standing for long periods. Poor alignment may also contribute to knee, hip, or lower back pain. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, gait, and symptoms. Treatment options include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, exercises, or further medical care to help relieve pain and improve foot function. If you have flat feet and are experiencing chronic discomfort or acute pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Congenital foot conditions are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that affect the shape or movement of a baby’s feet. One of the most recognized conditions is club foot, where the foot is twisted inward and downward, making it difficult to walk if untreated. These conditions may result from genetic factors, developmental issues during pregnancy, or environmental influences. Early detection is essential for effective treatment and to prevent long-term complications. A podiatrist can play an important role in diagnosing congenital foot conditions, recommending early interventions, such as stretching, casting, or bracing, and monitoring progress throughout childhood. If your child has been born with a foot condition, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture is a hairline crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure, often seen in the toes, midfoot, or heel. Pain usually begins gradually and worsens during activities like walking or running. It is often felt in one specific area and may seem mild at first, leading many people to ignore it. Unlike other injuries, a stress fracture may not cause swelling or bruising, making it even harder to recognize. As the fracture becomes more severe, the pain may become sharp and limit daily movement. A podiatrist can evaluate the injury by using imaging tests and may recommend a period of offloading. This means reducing weight placed on the injured area to give the bone time to heal. Offloading may involve using crutches, a walking boot, or limiting movement. In some cases, surgery may be needed if the fracture does not heal properly. If you experience symptoms of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.