Plantar Fibroma
Plantar fibroma is a fibrous nodule on the bottom of the foot. Anatomically, it is embedded in the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. The fibrous nodule is benign, and grows slowly. Unfortunately, the nodule will not go away, and as the nodule increases in size, it can cause pain on weight bearing. The exact cause of plantar fibroma is not known.
Symptoms:
The nodule on the bottom of the foot can cause pain when weight bearing. As the size of the nodule increases, so does the pain. The pain is typically described as dull, and achy. When wearing shoes, the arch of the shoes can push up against the nodule causing pain.
Diagnosis:
Careful examination of the nodule site with palpation can lead to diagnosis of plantar fibroma. Sometimes, the palpation can lead to pain that extends to the toes. If the presentation is atypical of plantar fibroma, or there is suspicion of other pathologies, MRI or biopsy can be ordered to further evaluate the nodule.
Treatments:
Conservative treatments such as steroid injections, orthotic devices and physical therapy are all focused on symptom relief. Steroid injections have been shown to shrink the size of the nodule, thus reducing pain. However, the reduction is usually temporary, and will increase in size or return back to original size.
Definitive treatment for plantar fibroma is surgical removal. Surgical removal may result in flattening of the foot arch or hammertoe development.
Plantar fibroma is a fibrous nodule on the bottom of the foot. Anatomically, it is embedded in the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. The fibrous nodule is benign, and grows slowly. Unfortunately, the nodule will not go away, and as the nodule increases in size, it can cause pain on weight bearing. The exact cause of plantar fibroma is not known.
Symptoms:
The nodule on the bottom of the foot can cause pain when weight bearing. As the size of the nodule increases, so does the pain. The pain is typically described as dull, and achy. When wearing shoes, the arch of the shoes can push up against the nodule causing pain.
Diagnosis:
Careful examination of the nodule site with palpation can lead to diagnosis of plantar fibroma. Sometimes, the palpation can lead to pain that extends to the toes. If the presentation is atypical of plantar fibroma, or there is suspicion of other pathologies, MRI or biopsy can be ordered to further evaluate the nodule.
Treatments:
Conservative treatments such as steroid injections, orthotic devices and physical therapy are all focused on symptom relief. Steroid injections have been shown to shrink the size of the nodule, thus reducing pain. However, the reduction is usually temporary, and will increase in size or return back to original size.
Definitive treatment for plantar fibroma is surgical removal. Surgical removal may result in flattening of the foot arch or hammertoe development.