Plantar Fibroma Symptoms And Treatment
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.
Plantar fibromatosis is the condition of having plantar fibromas. A common cause of plantar fibromas is injury to the plantar fascia. A puncture wound or injury from repetitive pressure can cause a small tear in the plantar fascia which can cause plantar fibromas to form.
An individual with a plantar fibroma may notice a firm lump in the arch of the foot. This lump can cause pain, especially from pressure of shoes pushing against the lump.
A plantar fibroma is not cancerous. Many plantar fibromas will 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.
If the plantar fibroma is not causing any pain, the physician may recommend no treatment to see if the lump disappears on its own. There are several treatment options for a plantar fibroma that is causing pain.
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.
Other treatment options include physical therapy, steroid injections, and cryoablation if the primary noninvasive treatment methods fail to provide relief. For treatment with steroid injections, the physician may inject corticosteroids into the fibroma to shrink it.
Cryoablation is a process in which a probe is inserted in an incision on the arch of the foot and is used to freeze the area around the plantar fibroma. The freezing damages the nerves around the fibroma which stops the individual from being able to feel pain in that area. Cryoablation can also be used to treat 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 health if you are having problems. And please seek any podiatrist for help if you have any foot issues. We have a free forum full of podiatrists, that give free foot health advice.
Sphere: Related Content
Leave a Comment