Walking on a Stone

If you feel along the bottom of your foot, you will notice that there is a band of tissue that runs right under the skin. If you move your foot up and down you will see how this band of tissue moves with your foot. This tissue can sometimes have a ball of fibrous tissue that forms in the band. If an area of injury occurs in the fascia such as a small tear, a ball of fibrous tissue can form called a plantar fibroma.

So, what is the harm of these plantar fibromas. Well, the only time that it is an issue is if you experience pain. Some people will describe that they feel like they are walking on rocks. Others will say that they feel like they are walking on a ball under their foot. If this becomes enough of an issue, you can actually experience a great deal of pain because of the discomfort under your feet.

So, what are the options that you have for treatment? One option is to get a shoe insert that has extra cushion to try and prevent you from feeling like you are walking on a stone. The other option is to have the plantar fibroma surgically removed. This is the best way to take care of your pain long term, but it is a surgery and so conservative treatment is always the best first choice.

If you notice feeling like you are walking on a stone you should seek care from your  podiatrist. There could be a plantar fibroma that is causing you pain. If you live in the Dracut or Chatham, Massachusetts area, Dr. Wachtel would be more than happy to see you and help treat your feet. We are also happy to announce our Methuen and North Andover offices located at 451 Andover St. Suite 300, North Andover MA 01845 and 87 Jackson St, Methuen, MA 01835.