Your foot is a unique and important structure that supports your entire body weight and helps you balance. The plantar fascia, a long fibrous tissue that runs along your arch, plays a major role in shock absorption as you walk, jump, or engage in other physical activities. When a benign mass forms on the plantar fascia, it is called a plantar fibroma.

What are the symptoms?

Plantar fibromas often feel like firm lumps in the arch of your foot, are usually half an inch in size but may grow over time and may develop additional fibromas. Although usually painless, larger fibromas may cause pain and discomfort from pressure.

Diagnosis

A foot care specialist can diagnose a plantar fibroma through examination, biopsies, and imaging such as MRIs and X-rays.

How is it treated?

Conservative measures are usually sufficient to manage plantar fibromas, unless they cause discomfort or pain from excessive growth, in which case surgical methods may be recommended.

• Nonsurgical: Custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the fibroma, physical therapy, and medications
• Surgical: Since fibromas typically recur and removing the fibroma surgically may flatten the arch, surgery is commonly viewed as a last resort for treatment.

If you notice a lump in your arch or have any foot or ankle concerns, a podiatrist can help diagnose, treat, and ease your worries. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen use their expertise and advanced technologies to help patients with all types of problems, whether they have chronic heel pain, a sports injury, pediatric foot problems, diabetic foot issues, arthritis, or nail fungus. Our offices are conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA to serve the greater Philadelphia area. Please explore our website for more information and to schedule an appointment today!