A fibrous knot in the arch of the foot is called a plantar fibroma. This knot is embedded in the plantar fascia which is the tendon that extends from the heel to the forefoot.
The presence of plantar fibroma is sometimes called plantar fibromatosis. The most common cause of plantar fibromatosis is trauma to the plantar fascia. This trauma can be a puncture wound or injury from repetitive impact such as during running. These injuries can cause a tear in the plantar fascia which can lead to the development of a plantar fibroma.
An individual with a plantar fibroma may notice a firm lump in the arch of the foot. This lump can cause pain, especially from pressure of shoes pushing against the lump.
Plantar fibromas are not cancerous. Plantar fibroma is usually go away without treatment.
A physician is likely to press on the lump when diagnosing a plantar fibroma. Pressing on the lump can cause pain that may radiate down to the toes. The physician may order an MRI or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
The physician may take a wait-and-see approach if the plantar fibroma is not causing any pain. If the plantar fibroma is causing pain, there are several treatment options.
Orthotics devices such as shoe inserts may be used to help relieve pressure on the plantar fibroma and reduce pain that is caused by this pressure. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication is often used for pain associated with plantar fibromas.
If the primary noninvasive treatment methods fail, the physician may suggest other treatment methods including steroid injections, surgery, physical therapy, or cryoablation. For treatment with steroid injections, the physician injects the fibroma with corticosteroids to shrink its size at least temporarily.
Cryoablation is a surgical procedure that uses a probe inserted into the arch of the foot to freeze the area around the plantar fibroma. When the tissue around the fibroma is frozen, the freezing damages the nerves which prevents the person from feeling pain in that area. Cryoablation is also a treatment method for plantar fasciitis.
Another possible treatment option is a surgical removal of the plantar fibroma. Surgical removal is not often recommended because it can cause complications such as overpronation or a flattening of the arch.
Please pay lots of attention to your foot care if you are having problems. And please seek any podiatrist for help if you have any foot problems. We have a free forum full of podiatrists, that give free foot health advice.
