Plantar fibroma is a benign podiatric condition that can be very painful and disabling on a daily basis. This small lump that develops on the sole of the foot affects many people, both men and women, often between the ages of 30 and 50. What are the causes of plantar fibroma? How does it manifest itself? And most importantly, what treatments are available? We’ll tell you everything in this article.
What is plantar fibroma and what are its causes?
A plantar fibroma is a benign tumor of the soft tissues that develops on the sole of the foot, most often in the plantar arch. It is a firm, rounded mass that can measure from a few millimeters to 2-3 cm. Although the exact causes of plantar fibroma remain unknown, several contributing factors have been identified:
- Repeated microtraumas to the sole of the foot
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes that compress the foot
- High-arched feet or flat feet
- Obesity
- Plantar fascia contracture
- Some authors suggest a genetic predisposition
Most of the time, plantar fibroma appears in middle-aged adults between 30 and 50 years old. Several fibromas can develop on the same foot or on both feet. Sometimes confused with a callus or a corn, plantar fibroma is distinguished by being located deeper under the skin.
What are the symptoms of plantar fibroma?
A plantar fibroma manifests as a bump under the foot, a small lump on the side of the foot, or a growth in the plantar arch. Initially small in size, the fibroma gradually grows and can become painful, especially during walking and prolonged standing. The pain in the arch of the foot sometimes radiates to the toes.
Over time, the overlying skin may thicken and harden. Wearing closed shoes is often very uncomfortable. The discomfort caused leads most patients to consult a doctor. Rest assured, despite the pain, plantar fibroma is not a serious foot disease. It will not develop into cancer. Only mechanical discomfort is to be feared.
What are the treatments for plantar fibroma?
Treatment of plantar fibroma depends on its size, location, and the functional discomfort it causes. During the consultation, your podiatrist will perform a thorough clinical examination to make the diagnosis. An ultrasound or even an MRI may be prescribed to specify the nature and depth of the tumor.
As a first line of treatment, a conservative approach will be proposed:
- Wearing orthopedic insoles to offload the painful area
- Wearing appropriate shoes with good cushioning
- Local application of anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone
- Deep transverse massage of the sole of the foot
- Physiotherapy to stretch the plantar fascia
- In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be performed
If the plantar fibroma is too large or too troublesome, your podiatrist may suggest surgical excision. This is a procedure under local anesthesia to remove the tumor. The postoperative course is straightforward with little pain. Offloading the foot is advised for 2-3 weeks.
Regular podiatric follow-up to prevent recurrence
Once the plantar fibroma has been treated, it is important to implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence:
- Wearing comfortable shoes with good foot support
- Avoid walking barefoot, especially on hard surfaces
- Perform stretches of the plantar arch
- Monitor the appearance of new plantar fibromas
- Consult your podiatrist 1-2 times a year
At the Clinique Podiatrique de Laval, our podiatrists are experienced in the management of plantar fibromas. Do not hesitate to make an appointment for a complete assessment and the implementation of an appropriate treatment. We will accompany you until the complete disappearance of your symptoms.
Conclusion
Plantar fibroma is a common and disabling benign foot condition. With early diagnosis and proper treatment by your podiatrist, you can get rid of it permanently and regain a pain-free foot. If you feel pain under your foot or notice the appearance of a bump, lump, or growth on the sole of your foot, don’t wait to consult. A plantar fibroma treated quickly heals in a few weeks.