What is the Plantar Fibroma? A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot
(nodule) in the arch of the foot. It is embedded within the
plantar fascia, a band of tissue that extends from the heel to
the toes on the bottom of the foot. A plantar fibroma can
develop in one or both feet, is benign (non-malignant), and
usually will not go away or get smaller without treatment.
Definitive causes for this condition have not been clearly
identified. Signs and Symptoms The characteristic sign of a
plantar fibroma is a noticeable lump in the arch that feels firm
to the touch. This mass can remain the same size or get larger
over time, or additional fibromas may develop. People who have a
plantar fibroma may or may not have pain. When pain does occur,
it is often caused by shoes pushing against the lump in the
arch, although it can also arise when walking or standing
barefoot. To diagnose a plantar fibroma, the foot and ankle
surgeon will examine the foot and press on the affected area.
Sometimes this can produce pain that extend