Plantar fibroma, also known as Ledderhouse disease, is a rare condition characterized by disordered fibrous tissue that forms nodules. The disease can negatively affect an individual’s quality of life by disrupting foot function and causing pain as nodules grow. Plantar fibroma can occur at any age, but it primarily affects middle-aged adults. 

A lipoma is a benign tumor that can be located on various parts of the body, including the feet. However, a lipoma can also be found on the back, shoulders, thighs, or arms. Lipomas are generally painless and soft to the touch. They may move around when touched. People with small, painless lipomas may choose to leave them in place if they are not bothersome. Those who choose treatment can have the lipoma removed with a simple excision.

Differences of Lipoma and Plantar Fibroma 

Those with plantar fibroma may notice that the nodules do not affect smooth muscle tissue or skin. Unfortunately, the nodule can grow. Those who experience nodule growth may have symptoms such as local pressure, tenderness, or pain associated with the plantar fibroma. Because the lump can be slow-growing and painless, some individuals do not opt for a removal procedure unless the mass grows larger and pain develops.

People typically seek lipoma removal between the ages of 40 and 60. Regarded as a foot tumor, a lipoma can range in size and may require treatment by a professional. Excision of a foot lipoma, or tumor removal, is the only treatment for a lipoma. To determine the type of excision needed, doctors will perform X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. 

Symptoms of Lipoma and Plantar Fibroma

According to the National Library of Medicine, those with plantar fibroma may exhibit certain symptoms. Some of the symptoms patients experience consist of the following:

• Lesions
• Enlarged mass
• Pain when applying direct pressure
• Discomfort standing for long periods of time
• Tender nodules

While the above are associated with plantar fibroma, the symptoms below are associated with foot lipoma. These include:

• Movable
• Soft
• Rubbery consistency
• Small in size
• Located just underneath the skin
• No pain experienced when walking or running
• Grow slowly over time

While some symptoms may be similar, lipomas and plantar fibromas differ in several ways. Doctors may order tests to determine whether other conditions are present.

Recovery 

Those who receive treatment for a lipoma or plantar fibroma may require recovery time after the procedure is completed. Those who receive a foot lipoma excision should expect:

• Injection of local anesthesia to numb the location
• General anesthesia to numb specific nerves, if necessary
• Extraction of skin tissue from the site
• Minor stitches to be removed within a couple of weeks
• Limitation of activities that apply pressure to the foot or movement that causes discomfort

If you suffer from plantar fibroma, treatment and recovery may consist of:

• Steroid injections as initial treatment
• Medication in the form of Verapamil for blood pressure management
• Radiation therapy
• Local excision of the nodule, removing diseased tissue
• Avoidance of applying pressure to the affected location

Both types of skin issues may require treatment, depending on the size of the nodules and how long they have persisted. 

Find Treatment 

If you notice a nodule under your skin that moves when touched or grows in size, consider seeking treatment to determine whether you have a lipoma or plantar fibroma. At Jamfeet, we help patients understand their condition. We also offer ways to remove nodules caused by these conditions. 

Contact our podiatry center today to learn more about our available treatment options. Schedule a consultation and speak to a professional today.