A lesion under the skin is most likely plantar fibroma, inclusion cyst, or ganglion cyst. If the lump is under the inside of your arch along the plantar fascia, it probably is a plantar fibroma, the most common lump we see on the bottom of the foot. It develops as a fibrous little growth and is relatively dense in consistency. The exact cause of plantar fibromatosis is unknown, but people with this disorder can have a similar problem in the palm of the hand called palmar fibromatosis, or Dupuytren's contracture.
Some people develop this condition because of a genetic predisposition. In other cases it may be secondary to plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia), small tears in the plantar fascia with exaggerated scarring as the fascia heals, or a response to repetitive trauma to the bottom of the foot.
A ganglion cyst develops as a fluid filled sac and is usually softer and more mobile. It comes from the lining of tendons and joints, and is less likely to be under your arch. The inclusion cyst comes from something foreign under the skin, usually after a puncture wound. All of the above are not cancerous and have trauma as a factor in their development.
You ought to have a diagnostic ultrasound first in order to identify for certain which type of lesion it is, how big it is, and where it is attached before you can begin to assess treatment. If the growth is solid and painful, surgical removal is usually very successful and has minimal disability. Another option is injection of a steroid into the lump. It is a common and effective treatment for both the fibroma and ganglion. The injections will often soften the fibroma, or make a fibroma or ganglion shrink.
Some people develop this condition because of a genetic predisposition. In other cases it may be secondary to plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia), small tears in the plantar fascia with exaggerated scarring as the fascia heals, or a response to repetitive trauma to the bottom of the foot.
A ganglion cyst develops as a fluid filled sac and is usually softer and more mobile. It comes from the lining of tendons and joints, and is less likely to be under your arch. The inclusion cyst comes from something foreign under the skin, usually after a puncture wound. All of the above are not cancerous and have trauma as a factor in their development.
You ought to have a diagnostic ultrasound first in order to identify for certain which type of lesion it is, how big it is, and where it is attached before you can begin to assess treatment. If the growth is solid and painful, surgical removal is usually very successful and has minimal disability. Another option is injection of a steroid into the lump. It is a common and effective treatment for both the fibroma and ganglion. The injections will often soften the fibroma, or make a fibroma or ganglion shrink.
