Plantar Fibroma: A Painful Bump in Your Foot
You already know how painful it is when you get a pebble in your shoe or when you step on a small plastic toy. Now imagine that you can’t get the stone out of your shoe or shift your weight to relieve the discomfort of that building block under the sole of your foot. That’s what it feels like to have a plantar fibroma in your foot.
A plantar fibroma is a small, non-cancerous lump that develops in the plantar fascia, the soft tissue that runs along the sole of your foot from the heel to the toes. Unlike a fluid-filled cyst, a plantar fibroma is a solid mass made of fibrous tissue that is firm to the touch. Plantar fibromas are usually found under the arch of the foot. Some fibromas grow; others remain consistent in size over time. Some fibromas are singular; others become part of a small cluster of tumors.
Symptoms of a plantar fibroma include:
a nodule in the sole of the foot that can be felt with your fingers
pain when standing or walking
a feeling like there is something in your shoe
reduced range of motion
difficulty wearing shoes, standing, or walking
Doctors do not know what causes plantar fibromas to form. It is known that family history is a consideration – if your parents or siblings have had them, you are at increased risk.
If you suspect that you have developed a plantar fibroma, the first thing to do is to schedule a visit with a board-certified podiatrist like James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS. Only your podiatrist can accurately diagnose the source of your discomfort. If your foot doctor determines that you do in fact have a plantar fibroma, s/he will have a range of treatment options available including over-the-counter and prescription medication for pain and inflammation, custom orthotics for cushioning and support, and foot and ankle surgery in some cases.
Are you living with foot pain? Dr. James M. McKee can help with examination, diagnosis, and treatment. Call Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. at 410-224-4448 or click here to request an appointment in our modern, comfortable office on Solomons Island Road today.