Plantar Fibroma / Plantar Fibromatosis

The diagnosis for both of these conditions was plantar fibromatosis. The lumps themselves are commonly referred to as plantar fibromas.

Plantar fibromatosis occurs with an excessive accumulation of collagen fibres through the plantar fascia. This is a long band of tissue that lies in the bottom of your foot and connects the ball of your foot (the metatarsal heads) to the heel (the calcaneus bone).

It is uncertain as to whether the plantar fibromas form due to an abnormal response in healing a microtear through the plantar fasica, or whether it is strictly a condition of abnormal collagen development. They are believed to be more likely to occur after trauma or injury to the plantar fascia, in patients with a predisposition to other connective tissue disorders such as Dupuytren’s disease. Plantar fibromas are more common in men than women. They are more likely to appear at in middle aged or elderly patients, although they can appear at all ages.

Plantar fibromas themselves are benign; i.e. non-cancerous. They can increase in size over time.

Plantar fibromas may be painful to touch due to their location; they are susceptible to experiencing pressure from footwear or the ground when weight-bearing.