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A plantar fibroma is a fibrous nodule in the arch of the foot that is noticeable and firm to the touch. It is embedded in the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes on the bottom of the foot. This can occur in one or both feet, it is usually a benign development, and it can remain the same size, get bigger, or multiply over time. This problem may or may not cause pain, but when pain is felt, it is often due to shoes pushing up against the lump in the arch. Pain can also arise when walking or standing barefoot. Specific causes for this condition have not been identified. Nonsurgical treatment, such as steroid injections, orthotics, or physical therapy, may help relieve pain of a plantar fibroma, but it will not make the mass go away. Surgical removal of the fibroma can be considered if nonsurgical approaches do not work, but this can lead to a flat foot or hammertoes. This condition has a high incidence of recurrence, and it is suggested that you see a podiatrist if you think that you have a plantar fibroma to confirm the diagnosis and get a professional opinion on the right treatment for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Genine Befumo, DPM of University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A podiatrist is a doctor that treats the foot, ankle, and any connecting leg parts. They are known as a doctor of podiatric medicine or DPM, and these initials will appear after their name. Podiatrists must complete four years of study and training at a podiatric medical school. After this, they must complete residency training for three more years in a hospital or clinic. When they pass all required exams, they are certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (APMA). Some of these doctors choose to specialize (such as in surgery, sports medicine, or pediatrics), and if they do this, they must obtain more training in their area of specialty. Podiatrists must be licensed in the state that they work in, and like other physicians, they must renew their licenses and keep up to date with their training. Like a family doctor or general care physician, unless they specialize, podiatrists treat people of all ages and for a range of conditions. If your feet hurt or if you have sustained an injury to your feet or ankles, it is time to see a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment. It is a good idea to have your feet checked by this type of doctor periodically anyway. Remember, your feet support your weight and get you through a lifetime of mobility.

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns and calluses result from too much pressure on an area of the foot. Though they can occur in anyone, athletes are more prone to get them because the pressure on their feet is higher. Reasons for the development of corns and calluses can come from shoes if a deformity, such as bunion or hammertoe is present and rubs against the shoes. If the pressure is higher under the ball of the foot, it may be due to a prominent metatarsal head. Thickened skin of a corn or callus can be removed and provide relief from pain, but the only way to get rid of these symptoms permanently or prevent them from coming back is to remove what caused them in the first place. For example, if a corn develops from a hammertoe, fixing the hammertoe will get rid of the pressure and the corn will not come back. If you suffer from corns or calluses, see a podiatrist for help in figuring out what to do to remove the cause so these are no longer a problem for you.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Genine Befumo, DPM from University Foot and Ankle Center, L.L.C. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Monroe Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.