Plantar Fibroma

Prevention & Treatment of Plantar Fibroma

Since the cause is unknown, there is no way to definitively prevent a plantar fibroma. However, if you have a fibroma that’s painful, wearing padded socks in properly fitted footwear may help ease the pain.

Diagnosis of plantar fibroma generally involves a clinical exam—your foot health professional will examine your foot and press on the affected area. An X-ray or MRI may be ordered to rule out other conditions that can cause lumps in the foot, such as cysts, nerve or fat tumors, or a malignancy.

If the fibroma is not causing symptoms, no treatment is needed. Conservative treatment of a painful fibroma includes an off-loading insole or pad. As suggested above, you may also try changing your shoes and wearing padded socks.

Steroid injections directly into the fibroma may help shrink it and relieve the pain that occurs when walking. However, the size reduction may be temporary, and the fibroma may eventually return to its original size.

Surgery may be required if conservative treatment fails to relieve pain. However, all surgery carries risks, including wound complications and injury to other parts of the foot. Removal of a fibroma may also cause a flattening of the arch or the development of hammertoes.

More About Plantar Fibroma

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