Plantar Fibroma
What is
the Plantar Fibroma?
A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot (nodule) in the 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, is benign (non-malignant), and usually will not go away or get
smaller without treatment. Definitive causes for this condition have not been
clearly identified.
![Fibroma]()
![Fibroma2]()
Signs and
Symptoms
The characteristic sign of a plantar fibroma is a noticeable lump in the arch
that feels firm to the touch. This mass can remain the same size or get larger
over time, or additional fibromas may develop.
People who have a plantar fibroma may or may not have pain.
When pain does occur, it is often caused by shoes pushing against the lump in
the arch, although it can also arise when walking or standing barefoot.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a plantar fibroma, the foot and ankle surgeon will examine the foot
and press on the affected area. Sometimes this can produce pain that extends
down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy may be performed to further evaluate the
lump and aid in diagnosis.
Treatment
Options
Non-surgical treatment may help relieve the pain of a
plantar fibroma, although it will not make the mass disappear. The foot and
ankle surgeon may select one or more of the following non-surgical options:
- Steroid
injections. Injecting corticosteroid medication into the mass may
help shrink it and thereby relieve the pain that occurs when walking. 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.
If the mass increases in size or pain, the patient should be
further evaluated. Surgical treatment to remove the fibroma is considered if
the patient continues to experience pain following non-surgical approaches.
Surgical removal of a plantar fibroma may result in a
flattening of the arch or development of hammertoes. Orthotic devices may be
prescribed to provide support to the foot. Due to the high incidence of
recurrence with this condition, continued follow-up with the foot and ankle
surgeon is recommended.
Information provided by The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons