by 
The Curious Bag
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Plantar fibromatosis, or plantar fibroma, is a hard and benign mass of fibrous tissue found on the bottom of the foot. It can be a single mass or a cluster of nodules. If pain becomes a problem, there are several treatments available.
Causes
Patients taking the anticonvulsant drug phenytoin are said to develop plantar fibromatosis. Patients with epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and cirrhosis of the liver are said to be more likely to be affected.
Consideraton
Treatment for plantar fibromatosis is usually not necessary unless the mass becomes so large as to cause pain. Padding in the area is usually enough to reduce pressure and pain.
Orthotics
The use of foot orthotics can help redistribute weight away from the fibrotic nodular lesions. A night brace or a splint may help to reduce the size of the mass.
Surgery
If the most basic treatments fail to provide relief, surgery is necessary to remove the mass. However, since most of the healthy plantar fascia ligament is also removed, surgery is a last resort.
Warning
Surgery on the ball of the foot can cause a painful scar formation. Additionally, surgery often causes a recurrence of the mass, and the instability of the foot if the fascial removal is excessive.
Source:
Foot-care.org: Plantar Fibroma And Plantar Fibromatosis Signs, Symptoms And Plantar Fascia Treatment
The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Plantar Fibromatosis
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