Fibroma (Plantar)
Foot Conditions and Problems
Fibroma (Plantar)
Irregular nodule of collagen fibers within the connective tissue of the plantar fascia
Cause
As stress is placed on the plantar fascia, the tissue can undergo small tears. The body rapidly lays down collagen fibers to repair damage, typically in an irregular and erratic way causing tissue to bulge. The plantar fascia can be stressed within conventionally shaped footwear that elevates the heel and the toes, keeping the plantar fascia in a chronically stressed and lengthened position. With repeated stress, the plantar fascia continues this tear/repair process, increasing the size of the nodule slowly over time.
Signs and Symptoms
Deep, occasionally painful bump(s) along the bottom of the foot, or medial longitudinal arch. A physician can confirm the condition via palpation, biopsy or via MRI.
Recovery
Conservative measures can help reduce the pain and discomfort of a plantar fibroma. The most common non-surgical approaches to treating plantar fibromas include:
- Naturally shaped footwear to help distribute bodyweight more appropriately across the foot bones and joints. We generally recommend footwear that is completely flat (without heel elevation or toe spring), widest at the ends of the toes, lightweight, and flexible.
- Metatarsal Pads
- Toe Extensor Stretch
- Acupuncture
- Topical Verapamil Creams
