Book Now Book Now

Plantar Fibroma

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma describes a benign (non-cancerous) growth that develops at the bottom of your foot, often in the arch. It develops within the plantar fascia, which is a thick connective tissue band that spans your arch from your heel to all the toes. It is usually slow to increase in size. Plantar fibromatosis describes the growth multiple faster-growing fibromas found in the ligaments at the bottom of the foot. These are also benign and this condition is known as Ledderhose Disease.  

What causes a plantar fibroma?

While the exact cause of a plantar fibroma is unknown, there are factors that make you more likely to develop a fibroma. These include:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Poor footwear
  • Injury
  • Certain medications
  • Diabetes
  • Male gender
  • Increasing age

 

What are the symptoms?

Plantar fibromas present as knots or nodules in the foot and can develop in one or both feet. While fibromas aren’t typically painful, as they grow they can cause pressure on their surrounding tissues and structures which can result in pain and swelling. Other symptoms can include:

  • Discomfort or tenderness on walking or weight-bearing
  • Altered gait, which can result in pain from the resulting altered biomechanics
  • Difficulty wearing shoes

 

How is it treated?

Before surgery is considered in more severe cases, conservative measures can help to reduce the discomfort and any pain associated with the fibroma. This includes:

  • Padding to off-load the fibroma
  • Orthotics to alleviate pressure from the area of the fibroma, redistribute pressure along the surface of the foot and correct any biomechanical or alignment issues contributing to painful symptoms
  • Comfortable, supportive footwear that has good width and is not high-heeled
  • Stretching any tight muscles or structures of the foot

If you suspect you may have a plantar fibroma, see your podiatrist. They will be able to assess and differentiate a fibroma from other conditions such as a cyst, granuloma or a potential malignancy. A management plan will then be created in light of your symptoms and presentation.

Laser Pain Relief: The Answer To Your Foot Pain?
Ongoing Heel Pain? Shockwave Could Be Your Answer
Podiatrist Toenail Transformation To Healthy And Clear: Here’s How
Tingling Feet After Exercise: Should You Be Concerned?
Are My High Heels Changing My Foot Shape Permanently?
Shockwave Treatment For Foot And Leg Pain
Shockwave vs Laser For Heel And Foot Pain: Which Is Best?
Does Your Ingrown Toenail Have A Fungal Nail Infection?
Shockwave Therapy For Injury Recovery & Pain Relief
Not Just An Ingrown Toenail: Osteomyelitis Case Review
Verruca Removal Auckland
The Best Medical Pedicure In Auckland?
What Are The Red Flags For An Ingrown Toenail?
What Makes Hip Dysplasia Worse In Babies?
Is Ingrown Toenail Surgery Painful?
Who Is The Right Specialist To See For Foot Pain?
Buying School Shoes Online? How To Measure Kids Feet Accurately
Signs You Need Permanent Correction For Your Ingrown Toenails
Choosing The Right Expert: Why A Podiatrist Is Your Best Bet For Foot And Ankle Pain
Caring for Ageing Feet: How Your Podiatrist Helps
Does Your Leg And Foot Posture At Your Desk Really Matter?
Ingrown Toenails And Sports: How To Prevent And Manage Pain During Activity
NZ Skiing and Snowboarding: Injury Prevention Tips From Your Podiatrist
Ingrown Toenails In The Elderly: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention
Signs Your Ingrown Toenail Needs Help From Your Podiatrist
Best Footwear For Foot Pain
How to Care for Ingrown Toenails After Surgery: Tips for Quick Recovery
Podiatry Tips For Protecting Your Feet This Winter
Ingrown Toenails and Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
What’s The Alternative To Orthotics?
How to Choose the Right Shoes to Avoid Ingrown Toenails
How Can I Prevent And Treat Blisters On My Feet?
Does My Baby Have An Ingrown Toenail?
How Can I Prevent And Treat Foot Odour?
Debunking Ingrown Toenail Treatment Recommendations
Signs Your Heel Pain Is From A Heel Spur
Why Don’t Antibiotics Fix An Ingrown Toenail?
Why Do My Feet Feel Like They’re Burning At Night?
Is It An Ingrown Nail, Or A Corn? A Case Study
Is Your Recovery After Exercise Holding You Back This Summer?
Diabetes & Ingrown Toenails: What You Must Know
What Does It Mean If I Have A Knot In My Muscle?
Thick Toenail Causing Ingrown Nail Pain?
What Can I Do To Improve My Bone Health?
My Shellac Came Off And Caused An Ingrown Toenail?
Jolly Jumpers: Are They Good Or Bad?
What Happens If You Ignore Your Ingrown Toenail?
Why Home Remedies For Ingrown Nails Don’t Work – And What Does

Keeping you healthy and performing at your best

Keeping your family on their feet and helping them to walk, run, play and exceed their goals is why we love getting up in the morning.

We're located inside the One Health medical centre at Building 122 Remuera Rd, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand

MON - SAT 8:30am – 6:00pm
SUN Closed

Make an Appointment

(09) 523 2333 (09) 523 2333

Online Schedule

Book here Book here

Send us a message

Name
 
Email Address
Message