Plantar Fasciitis & Plantar Fibroma

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed or irritated, often due to repetitive stress, improper footwear, or tight calf muscles. This condition is most prevalent among runners, individuals who spend long hours on their feet, and those with high arches or flat feet. 
Plantar fibroma, on the other hand, is a benign (non-cancerous) nodule that forms within the plantar fascia itself. While it doesn’t cause the same inflammation as plantar fasciitis, the fibroma creates a firm lump in the arch, making walking or standing painful—especially when pressure is applied. It may affect anyone, but tends to occur more often in adults and can be linked to genetics or repetitive strain to the fascia.

Both conditions can interfere with mobility and quality of life; however, with expert evaluation and personalized care, most patients experience significant relief and a full return to their normal activities.

Understanding what leads to plantar fasciitis and plantar fibroma can help you take the right steps toward lasting relief and prevention. While both conditions affect the same connective tissue in the arch, their underlying causes are quite different.

• Repetitive stress from activities like running, walking, or standing for long periods
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon strain, placing added tension on the plantar fascia
• Poor foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches
• Wearing unsupportive or worn-out footwear
• Sudden increases in activity level or body weight

• Repetitive microtrauma or strain to the plantar fascia over time
• Genetic predisposition or connective tissue disorders
• Previous injury or inflammation in the arch of the foot
• Long-term tension or pressure on the plantar fascia may trigger abnormal

• You feel sharp or stabbing pain in your heel when you first step out of bed in the morning.
• Your heel or arch pain worsens after long periods of standing, walking, or exercise.
• The discomfort improves slightly with movement but returns after rest.
• You notice tightness or tenderness along the bottom of your foot or near your heel.
• You find it difficult to walk comfortably or wear certain shoes without pain.
  
  You may have a plantar fibroma if:
  
  
• You notice a firm lump or small nodule in the arch of your foot.
• You feel pain or pressure when walking, standing, or wearing shoes that press against the area.
• The lump appears to remain in place but may gradually increase in size over time.
• You experience soreness or tension in your arch that makes daily activities uncomfortable.
• You have a history of similar nodules or connective tissue changes in your feet or hands.

Diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and a thorough physical examination. For plantar fasciitis, your specialist will gently evaluate areas of tenderness, assess your gait, and check the flexibility of your foot and ankle to pinpoint the source of inflammation and stress on the plantar fascia. In some cases, imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to rule out other causes of heel pain.

For plantar fibroma, your surgeon will perform a hands-on exam, pressing gently on the nodule to evaluate its size, texture, and whether pain radiates toward the toes. Advanced imaging—such as MRI—may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, assess the depth of the fibroma, and rule out other soft-tissue conditions. 

At the Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona, we believe in starting with the most conservative, evidence-based therapies to relieve pain and restore function. Each treatment plan is customized to your specific condition, activity level, and goals.

For Plantar Fasciitis
Most cases improve with non-surgical care, including rest, activity modification, stretching programs, custom orthotics, and supportive footwear. Additional options may include:

• Physical therapy to improve flexibility, strengthen the lower leg and foot, and relieve tension on the plantar fascia.
• Night splints to gently stretch the fascia and Achilles tendon during sleep
• Anti-inflammatory treatments, such as oral medications or targeted corticosteroid injections, are used for persistent inflammation.
• Advanced regenerative therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or shockwave therapy, may be recommended for chronic cases.

If pain persists after several months of conservative treatment, surgical intervention—such as a partial plantar fascia release—may be considered. This procedure relieves tension on the fascia and is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques to shorten recovery time.

• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and temporarily decrease the size of the fibroma.
• Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure away from the nodule and improve comfort during daily activity.
• Physical therapy modalities that apply topical anti-inflammatory medication to the affected area, avoiding injections.

If pain in your heel or arch begins to interfere with your daily life, we can help. Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons are the foremost authorities in foot and ankle health. Their expertise as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) extends to a specialized surgical focus on foot and ankle conditions. With rigorous training in this area, these professionals are well-suited to tackle complex issues, such as plantar fasciitis and plantar fibromas.