Plantar Fibromas

A plantar fibroma is a benign nodule that develops in the arch of the foot. They grow within the thick tissue of the plantar fascia, which extends from the heel to the toes.

Plantar Fibromas are:

• Slow growing masses
• Most commonly, a solitary nodule, although multiple nodules are possible.
• Not typically painful themselves, but as the nodule becomes larger, the pressure it puts on the nerves and blood vessels within your foot may be painful.
• Most commonly seen in the mid-arch region, but can develop anywhere along the underside of your foot.

These are not life-threatening tumors, but they do need to be treated properly. They can be uncomfortable and painful, can reduce your mobility, change your gait, and impair your ability to walk or even wear shoes. Some common treatments include:

• Stretching exercises
• Changing footwear to distribute weight evenly across the foot
• Anti-inflammatories
• Surgery to remove the nodule

 Image by heelsandfeet. Well Shaped Foot. (2007). Flickr.