Plantar Fibroma

What Is a Plantar Fibroma?

A plantar fibroma is a firm lump that develops along the arch of your foot, within the plantar fascia - the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. It is a benign (non-cancerous) growth but can cause discomfort or pain, especially when standing or walking.

Over time, the fibroma may grow larger or multiply, making it feel like you’re “stepping on a pebble” in your shoe.

Common Causes

The exact cause of plantar fibroma isn’t always clear, but several factors may contribute:

• Repetitive strain or micro-tears in the plantar fascia

• Genetic predisposition - more common in those with a family history

• Trauma or injury to the sole of the foot

• Chronic tension in the arch or calf muscles

• Certain medications or conditions that promote abnormal tissue growth

Signs and Symptoms

You may notice:

• A small, firm lump in the arch or middle of your foot

• Pain or tenderness when standing, walking, or wearing tight shoes

• Discomfort when barefoot on hard surfaces

• In more severe cases, multiple nodules may form along the fascia

How Plantar Fibroma is Diagnosed

A podiatrist (at KL Foot Specialist) can usually diagnose plantar fibroma through:

• Physical examination - feeling for the lump and checking its size and tenderness

• Ultrasound or MRI - to confirm it’s a fibroma and not another soft tissue mass such as a cyst or lipoma

• Gait and footwear assessment - to check how the lump affects your walking pattern

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and symptoms. At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, we focus on conservative, non-surgical care first:

Non-surgical treatments:

• Custom orthotics or insoles
  Which helps take pressure off the lump, support your arch properly and make walking and standing more comfortable by offloading pressure that results in reduction in pain

• Footwear modification
  This includes supportive shoes with arch contouring and cushioning, a wide fit so the lump isn’t pressed on and ensuring that you avoid hard soles that increase strain on your foot

• Stretching and soft tissue therapy
  To relieve tension on the plantar fascia by improving flexibility, reducing tension on the arch and help better support foot movement.

• Shockwave therapy
  A clinically proven treatment that uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate collagen regeneration, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy can help soften and stabilise fibrotic tissue, improving long-term comfort without surgery.

• Laser Therapy
  A non-invasive treatment that promotes cellular healing and tissue repair, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. Laser therapy is often used alongside shockwave for better outcomes.

• Topical anti-inflammatory creams
  For pain and swelling control
  

Surgical treatment:

• If pain persists or the fibroma becomes large, surgical excision may be recommended. However, surgery carries a risk of recurrence or arch stiffness, so it is considered only when necessary.

What Happens if Left Untreated

Without proper treatment, a plantar fibroma can:

• Continue to enlarge and harden

• Cause increasing pain when standing or walking

• Alter your walking pattern, leading to strain in your knees, hips, or lower back

• Make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably

When to See a Podiatrist

You should seek podiatry care if you:

• Notice a persistent lump in your arch

• Experience pain or discomfort that affects walking or daily activity

• Find that shoes press on the lump or cause soreness

• Have pain that is worsening despite rest or self-care

At KL Foot Specialist Podiatry, we provide thorough assessment, advanced imaging referrals, and evidence-based therapies including DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy and Laser Therapy to help manage plantar fibroma effectively and keep you moving comfortably.