Since so many people suffer with plantar fasciitis many people have heard of the plantar fascia.  I like to describe it as the support for our arch and it is fairly prominent along the bottom of the foot when we lift the big toe (hallux).  Today I write about a fibrous lesion of the plantar fascia that can spontaneously form but is often associated with an injury.  Most patients present to my podiatry practice simply stating that there is a new bump on the bottom of their foot.

Plantar fibromas are benign tissue tumors or growths on the plantar, or bottom surface of the foot. Unlike plantar warts, which grow on the skin, these grow deep inside on a thick fibrous band of ligaments, called the plantar fascia. The presence of the tumor can cause pain or pressure on other parts of the foot structure that can lead to other foot problems.

Nonsurgical measures used in treating plantar fibromas often fail to provide adequate relief of symptoms. However, there is a new approach using topical Verapamil that I find very interesting.  At the same time, surgical correction can lead to further complications, such as plantar nerve entrapment or larger and recurrent fibromas that may be worse than the original problem.

Therefore, in my practice we take the conservative approach first and try to support the foot without irritating the fibroma itself.  “Bumps” on the bottom of the foot are not normal and should be properly diagnosed and addressed.  Hopefully, this post eases concerns that surgery is the only option.  Let’s talk about it!

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