If you are experiencing a painful “lump” to the medial arch of your foot when walking and standing, you may be suffering from a Plantar Fibroma.

Plantar Fibromatosis is a benign soft tissue mass described as excess collagen tissue within the plantar fascia of the medial arch of the foot. Although it can occur in people of all ages, plantar fibromatosis typically occurs in people who are middle aged and is more common in women. The cause of these lumps are unknown but most doctors agree that micro or direct trauma to the plantar fascia is an contributing factor. A history that includes a puncture wound to the foot or experience with repetitive high impact activities, can lead to tightening of the plantar fascia which causes small tears in the tissue which allows for a fibroma to develop.

Fibromas can be felt underneath the skin as a firm nodular mass within the medial arch of the foot that is painful when standing or walking. There are conservative and surgical treatment options that can discussed when visiting your podiatrist such as injections and topical medications to help reduce the size of the mass in order to alleviate pain. In longstanding painful fibromas, surgical excision can be an option. If you are suffering from this condition, please visit your local podiatric surgeon at the American Foot and Leg Specialist to coordinate the best treatment plan for you.