Walnut Creek Foot Doctor
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Common Disorders

Plantar Fibromatosis

Within the arch of the foot, firm, nodular masses may form. These can occur as a single mass or in clusters. They are called plantar fibromas and are a non-cancerous tumor that forms within a ligament in the arch of the foot called the plantar fascia. Frequently, they will slowly enlarge causing pain while walking. Their cause cannot always be determined. Damage to the ligament will cause their occurrence and there is an association with taking the drug Dilantin. In 10% of the cases, patients will also demonstrate similar lumps in the palms of the hands called Dupuytren's Contracture.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by clinical exam. Biopsy of the masses is not recommended. The act of biopsy may cause the fibroma to enlarge. When the mass is removed a definitive diagnosis is provided by examination by microscopic examination by a pathologist

Treatment

Treatment consists of padding the area to reduce pressure. Functional foot orthotics will take the strain off of the plantar fascia ligament and sometimes cause the fibromas to shrink in size. Surgical excision of the mass requires removal of most of the plantar fascia. Simple excision of the mass without removal of the entire ligament generally results in recurrence of the mass. Whenever surgery is contemplated, the patient should wear a functional foot orthotic following the surgery. The orthotic helps to accommodate for the loss of the plantar fascia and its effect on foot function. (See surgical excision of plantar fibromas)

Article provided by PodiatryNetwork.com.

We make every effort to inform you of the most current and newest treatments available on this website. Unfortunately, technology changes rapidly in health care and in some circumstances our doctors may recommend treatments or diagnostic testing different than those outlined in our website.

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