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Is it fine to massage your plantar fibroma?

Asked 4 years ago

Is it dangerous for me to massage my plantar fibroma? Mine is really small and I am thinking if I massage it, I might be able to get rid of it. I don't want to aggravate it though. Is it recommended that I massage it, or should I leave it alone?

Young Rivas

Saturday, October 09, 2021

Massaging your plantar fibroma is a conservative approach to managing the condition. It can potentially break up accumulated fibroma tissue, reduce tenderness, and make walking less painful. When massaging your foot, start slowly and gently. Also, avoid direct pressure on the nodule as this can make it more painful.

Kris Noble

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

It is safe to massage a plantar neuroma, as long as you are not applying such a force that you then start to experience symptoms of pain or a subsequent flare-up the next day. A plantar neuroma is the thickening of the nerve, usually between the third and fourth toes. Applying direct pressure to the inflamed nerve may aggravate your symptoms and can increase a sensation of numbness in the toes. 

It is also important to massage the rest of the foot in an effort to reduce any tension or spasms that could be present in the intrinsic foot muscles and plantar fascia. Start with gentle applied pressure to the area around the plantar neuroma. Orthotics can also be used to limit the direct pressure onto the neuroma when placed into a shoe. Wearing shoes that have a wide toe box can also aid in reducing your symptoms. 

Rylan Hodge

Monday, July 18, 2022

You can massage your plantar fibroma to relieve the tension in your foot. However, it is best to do so after due consultation with a medical expert. The medical expert will walk you through condition-appropriate massages to bring pain relief.

Babafemi Adebajo

Babafemi Adebajo

Friday, October 28, 2022

It's okay to massage your plantar fibroma, especially around its edges. Such a massage can help alleviate the symptoms of the plantar fibroma, break up adhesions, relieve some tension, and make walking less painful. However, the plantar fibroma may not 'dissolve'. So, you may still need a custom insert to minimise pressure on the area.

Upstep Team

Upstep Team

Friday, May 09, 2025

Totally understandable. Since yours is small, massaging the plantar fibroma gently may help with surrounding tightness, but it's unlikely to make the fibroma itself go away.

These fibrous nodules tend to be persistent, and while massage might relieve tension in the arch, pressing directly on the lump could aggravate it or cause pain, especially if you're overdoing it.

So, light stretching and gentle foot care are fine, but avoid deep or direct pressure on the fibroma. It’s usually best to manage the condition by reducing strain on the plantar fascia.

One great way to do that is with custom orthotics—our Plantar Fasciitis Custom Orthotics can also help with plantar fibromas by supporting the arch and minimizing pressure on the lump. That can keep it from getting worse and help with discomfort during walking.

Custom Insoles for Plantar Fascitiis

Upstep Orthotics

Upstep's custom orthotics, made from a precise mold of your foot, provide targeted arch support for plantar fasciitis, making each pair of shoes in your closet comfortable.

Learn More





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