Plantar Fibroma
Finding a new lump just about anywhere in the body can be a major cause of concern. But if one appears in the arch of your foot, you can probably relax.
Finding a new lump just about anywhere in the body can be a major cause of concern. But if one appears in the arch of your foot, you can probably relax. It's likely a plantar fibroma.
A plantar fibroma is a benign (noncancerous) lump that develops on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue spanning the arch of your foot. It feels like a firm bump in the arch and can cause localized pain, especially when walking barefoot or wearing tight shoes.
Diagnosing
To diagnose plantar fibromas, we first do a thorough examination of your feet including an ultrasound. This allows us to take a look below the surface at what's inside the lump without excising the area.
Because other growths (like cysts, neuromas, or even rare sarcomas) can be mistaken for a fibroma, we may order an MRI or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms
Aside from the visible lump, patients often experience the following symptoms:
A noticeable, firm bump embedded in the arch of the foot.
Feeling like there is a small stone in your shoe.
Pain or tenderness with pressure, which can radiate to the toes.
Discomfort that worsens with prolonged standing, walking, or barefoot activity.
Treatment
Even though fibromas do not usually shrink on their own, all do not require intervention. At Lexington Podiatry, we take a conservative approach to treatment and avoid minor surgeries.
Orthotics: Custom inserts offload pressure from the fibroma.
Physical Therapy: Stretching exercises to reduce tension in the plantar fascia.
Topical Gels & Injections: Corticosteroid injections or topical gels can help manage inflammation and slow growth.
Prevention
Since no specific trigger is identified, prevention focuses on reducing repetitive stress and maintaining foot health:
Supportive Footwear: Wear well-fitting shoes with arch support and cushioning. Avoid high heels or unsupportive footwear.
Arch Support & Orthotics: Use OTC orthotics or custom inserts to distribute weight evenly and relieve plantar fascia stress.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight adds mechanical stress, increasing fibroma risk.
Prevent Repetitive Injury: Avoid trauma to the foot by taking breaks, wearing supportive shoes, and not walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
Calf & Fascia Stretching: Regular stretching improves flexibility and relieves tension.