What is a Plantar Fibroma?
A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot (nodule) in arch of the foot. It is embedded within the plantar fascia (a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot). A plantar fibroma can develop in one or both feet. It is benign (non-malignant), however it usually will not go away or get smaller without treatment. It is slow growing and measure less than an inch in size.Plantar fibromatosis is when multiple plantar fibromas grow at the same time on the bottom of the foot.
Symptoms
- a noticeable, firm lump in the arch
- the lumps continue to enlarge or multiply
- pain when pressure is applied to bottom of foot or arch
Causes
- Trauma to the plantar fascia (the flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes)
- Genetics
- Medical conditions such as Diabetes
Nonsurgical Treatments
Steroid injections: Injecting corticosteroid medication will help shrink the nodule and relieve the pain that occurs when pressure is applied. This reduction may be only temporary and the fibroma could slowly return to its original size.
Orthotic devices: If the fibroma is stable, meaning it is not changing in size, custom orthotic devices (shoe inserts) may relieve the pain by distributing the patient’s weight away from the fibroma
Physical therapy: The pain is sometimes treated through physical therapy methods that deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the fibroma without the need for injection.
When is surgery needed?
Surgical treatment may be necessary if nonsurgical treatments fail to reduce pain or growth of the fibroma. The fibroma(s) are completely removed from the bottom of the foot through surgical removal.