Have you noticed any lumps along the bottom arch of your foot?  Are they sometimes painful?  Do they fluctuate in size?  These lumps could be plantar fibromas.  Plantar Fibromas are benign growths within the band of tissue along the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia.  They are a thickening of that connective tissue and are solid.  They can be caused from an injury to the ligament as well as repetitive pressure to the central band of the ligament like someone who uses a ladder frequently.  It can also be hereditary.  Some of these people will also have the same lumps and bumps in the palms of the hand.  The issue can affect one or both feet. 

Treatment begins with trying to make the lump smaller or less painful.  This can be done with orthotics, topical creams, steroid injections, physical therapy and use of cold laser.  Eventually if you have tried these things without resolution of your symptoms, the painful lump may need to be removed.  This is done as an outpatient surgical procedure.  The plantar fibroma is surgically excised as well as any surrounding tissue that could eventually form a new fibroma to prevent recurrence.  After the surgery, you may need an orthotic to prevent residual irritation of the plantar fascia and to decrease your chance of the fibroma reoccurring.   

If you feel like you have this condition or would like to discuss any other issues with your feet or ankles, please call us at 972-542-2155.