1648 US Highway 130
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous tissue in the foot that helps maintain the arch. Plantar fibromas typically affect the medial and central bands of the plantar fascia. This condition, also known as Ledderhose disease, is rare and is characterized by the formation of nodules on the plantar fascia of the foot. It is more common in middle-aged men and can be associated with other fibrous tissue disorders. These nodules can cause pain and even disability. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, but imaging tests such as an MRI and ultrasound can be helpful. Treatment options include conservative measures and surgical intervention. Symptoms include slow growing nodules on the arch of the foot, which can become painful and affect walking. Physical examination is essential for diagnosis, and imaging can confirm the condition. Conservative treatments include steroid injections, oral medications, radiation therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. These aim to reduce pain and nodule size. Surgical options may be considered for pain relief, but recurrence is possible. If you are suffering from any sort of foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation and individualized treatment.
A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Robert Fink of Brunswick Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Plantar Fibroma
A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.
What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?
While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.
What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?
There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.
Treatment and Prevention
A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:
Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Brunswick, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
