With the holidays nearing, it seems like we are always on our feet cooking big family dinners and shopping for holiday gifts. These holiday festivities may be hard to enjoy if you suffer with any kind of foot pain. Although there are plenty of causes of foot pain, a plantar fibroma could be the culprit. A plantar fibroma is a benign (non-cancerous) mass on the bottom of your foot that can often be quite painful.
A plantar fibroma grows on the plantar fascia of your foot. This fascia is a ligamentous connection from your heel bone to the ball of your foot and functions to help support your foot’s arch. These benign masses that are embedded in the fascia may be painful or non-painful depending on their location and size. Pain is worse when pressure is applied to the fibroma in walking or standing. Many people complain of pain as the fibroma and overlying skin pushes against a hard surface in a shoe or while walking barefoot. A diagnosis is made on clinical exam in a podiatrist office. The doctor may also use other modalities such ultrasound to strengthen the diagnosis.
Treatment may only consist of observation if the fibroma does not cause any pain or other adverse symptoms. If symptoms are present, orthotics or insoles may be used to offload the pressure where the fibroma is causing pain. If non-invasive options do not work, surgery may be needed to remove the fibroma.
Do not let plantar fibromas get in the way of the upcoming holiday activities. If you notice signs and symptoms of plantar fibromas or any changes in your foot health, please consider making an appointment with Dr. Jay C. Larson at Sole Foot and Ankle Specialists in Glendale, Arizona.