Plantar fibromatosis is a thickening of the aponeurosis tissue in the arch of the foot. It often appears as small lumps and, although usually harmless, can cause pain when walking and limit mobility. Recognizing early signs is essential to prevent complications.
Symptoms and consequences of plantar fibromatosis
Plantar fibromatosis symptoms and consequences
Plantar fibromatosis mainly affects the foot’s arch and is generally benign. Common symptoms include:
- A hard lump in the arch that may grow or remain stable
- Additional lumps forming under the foot
- Pain when walking, with or without shoes
If untreated, fibrosis can lead to issues such as:
- Retraction of the plantar fascia causing plantar fasciitis
- Occasional deformities like hammer toes
- Varus deviation of the foot
- Difficulty wearing footwear
- Posture changes from muscle compensation
Causes and aggravating factors
Known also as Ledderhose disease, plantar fibromatosis has an unclear etiology but is thought to result from inadequate plantar fascia repair. Factors influencing it include:
- Heredity
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Prolonged foot immobilization
- Foot trauma like tears or elongation of the plantar fascia
- Repeated microtraumas from sports or activities
Medical advice is recommended if the condition worsens to avoid complications.
Preventing plantar fibromatosis
Prevention may be challenging due to the unpredictable nature of Ledderhose disease, but these measures help reduce risk:
- Wearing well-fitting footwear adapted to foot shape
- Engaging in light to moderate regular physical activity
- Maintaining healthy weight and balanced nutrition
- Performing calf stretches to relieve posterior leg tension
If prevention fails, consult a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosing plantar fibromatosis
Diagnosis can be challenging, but podiatrists use various tests to distinguish plantar fibromatosis from similar conditions:
- Biomechanical exam: visual and palpation assessment of foot lumps
- Foot ultrasound: imaging to locate fibrous masses on the fascia
Medical treatments for plantar fibromatosis
Treatment options are limited as symptoms are often mild. For significant pain caused by fibrous nodules, available treatments include:
- Custom-made foot orthotics to reduce pressure while walking
- Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and size of painful lumps
Surgery is rarely necessary and reserved for severe cases, such as aponeurotomy which involves partial or complete removal of the plantar fascia and requires rehabilitation.
PiedReseau – Learn more
Explore more articles on plantar foot problems on the PiedReseau website. Remember, a podiatrist visit is invaluable for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
Take care of your feet, they’re precious!