A fibrous knot, called a plantar fibroma, can form in the arch of the foot. The knot of fibrous tissue of a plantar fibroma is located in the plantar fascia which is the tendon that runs from the heel to the base of the toes.
The condition of having plantar fibromas is diagnosed as plantar fibromatosis. Plantar fibromatosis is often caused by an injury to the plantar fascia such as a puncture wound or injury from repetitive impact that may occur from running or other activity that puts repeated pressure on the arch of the foot. The injury can cause a tear in the plantar fascia which can cause a plantar fibroma to form.
Feeling a small, firm lump in the arch of the foot is often the first sign of a plantar fibroma. A plantar fibroma can be painless or the person may experience pain when there is pressure on the arch the foot from shoes or while walking.
The tissue of a plantar fibroma is not cancerous. Plantar fibroma will often shrink or go away without treatment.
During the examination to diagnose a plantar fibroma, the physician may press on the arch of the foot and the lump. Pressing on the lump can cause pain which may radiate down the toes. The diagnosis may be confirmed by using an MRI or biopsy.
The physician may take a wait-and-see approach if the plantar fibroma is not causing any pain. If the plantar fibroma is causing pain, there are several treatment options.
Orthotics devices such as shoe inserts may be used to help relieve pressure on the plantar fibroma and reduce pain that is caused by this pressure. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication is often used for pain associated with plantar fibromas.
If the primary noninvasive treatment methods fail, the physician may suggest other treatment methods including steroid injections, surgery, physical therapy, or cryoablation. For treatment with steroid injections, the physician injects the fibroma with corticosteroids to shrink its size at least temporarily.
Cryoablation is a surgical procedure that uses a probe inserted into the arch of the foot to freeze the area around the plantar fibroma. When the tissue around the fibroma is frozen, the freezing damages the nerves which prevents the person from feeling pain in that area. Cryoablation is also a treatment method for plantar fasciitis.
Another possible treatment option is a surgical removal of the plantar fibroma. Surgical removal is not often recommended because it can cause complications such as overpronation or a flattening of the arch.
Please pay lots of attention to your foot care if you are having problems. And please seek any podiatrist for help if you have any foot problems. We have a free forum full of podiatrists, that give free foot health advice.
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