I have been diagnosed (via MRI) with plantar fibromatosis approx 8 weeks ago. I am racing in Kona in 7 weeks. I am a physiotherapist who has a reasonable understanding of this condition, but I am still at a loss as to how best manage this condition. I had recommended running approx 3 weeks ago and was progressing slowly without any major signs or symptoms until 2 days ago. I was doing an easy 30 minute jog (no bigger or harder than any of my previous runs) when it suddenly reared it’s ugly head again. I have been using shockwave therapy as well as acupuncture ( and of course traditional physiotherapy methods) and it appeared to be improving. I have now resorted to a corticosteroid injection. Any advice from those who have had it or treated it would be greatly appreciated.
Since you appear to have a good understanding of the pathology, here is a link to something that you may not know much about (transdermal verapamil - a calcium channel blocker).
http://www.pdlabs.net/plantar_fibromatosis/whatIsTvGel_plantar.html
I do find local corticosteroid injections somewhat helpful (definitely good just prior to Kona), but aren’t terribly effective long term.
Thank you very much for the advice. I have read the article and looked at the website. I am from Australia and unfortunately I can not see anywhere that it is distributed over here? Do you have any suggestions? Thanks again
No idea how to “obtain” down under mate.
I assume you have access to iontophoresis? Common for PT to use here in the states. Perhaps a pharmacy could compound the verapamil in a solution and you could use similar to driving in dexamethasone?
Since you appear to have a good understanding of the pathology, here is a link to something that you may not know much about (transdermal verapamil - a calcium channel blocker).
http://www.pdlabs.net/...IsTvGel_plantar.html
I do find local corticosteroid injections somewhat helpful (definitely good just prior to Kona), but aren’t terribly effective long term.
I assume we are talking about the plantar fibromatosis that is a “lump” on the plantar fascia and not your typical plantar fasciitis. If so…
To echo rroof, I have had some relative success with verapamil gel but it takes months to see any improvement. Verapamil is used to reduce the nodular mass - the fibromatosis. Definitely a better option than surgery in my opinion. It will not help in 7 weeks. Consider cortisone injection or physical therapy modalities (phonophoresis or iontophoresis) in the meantime. Also cautiously (because if done wrong it can make you feel worse) consider padding that part of the foot with a cut out pad to get the pressure off of this area.
If it is garden variety plantar fasciitis, then I think you have your bases covered and the verapamil would not be indicated.