Plantar Fibromatosis
A fibrous knot in the arch of the foot is called a plantar fibroma. This knot is embedded in the plantar fascia which is the tendon that extends from the heel to the forefoot.
The presence of plantar fibroma is sometimes called plantar fibromatosis. The most common cause of plantar fibromatosis is trauma to the plantar fascia. This trauma can be a puncture wound or injury from repetitive impact such as during running. These injuries can cause a tear in the plantar fascia which can lead to the development of a plantar fibroma.
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.
Plantar fibromas are not cancerous. Plantar fibroma is usually go away without treatment.
A physician is likely to press on the lump when diagnosing a plantar fibroma. Pressing on the lump can cause pain that may radiate down to the toes. The physician may order an MRI or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
If the plantar fibroma is not causing the person pain, the doctor may want to take a wait-and-see approach to see if the plantar fibroma disappears on its own. There are noninvasive and surgical treatment methods available for plantar fibromas that are causing pain.
Noninvasive methods of treatment include the use of orthotics devices such as shoe inserts to help relieve pressure on the fibroma. The doctor may also order nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) for pain.
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 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.
Surgical removal of the plantar fibroma is one treatment option. However, it is often not recommended because surgical removal can cause complications such as a flattening of the arch of the foot.
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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