Plantar Fibroma and Verapamil: What to Know + Modern Treatment Options
- Sondema Tarr
- Apr 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 23
If you’ve been diagnosed with a plantar fibroma — a firm lump that develops in the arch of the foot — you may have come across verapamil cream or gel as a possible treatment. While some studies suggest it may help soften fibromas, results can be inconsistent and it isn’t widely available. At Direct Podiatry AZ in Tempe, we take an integrative approach: looking at your overall health, activity level, and inflammation patterns while offering modern options like laser therapy to relieve pain naturally.
What is Verapamil?
Verapamil is a medication mostly used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. However, recent studies have shown verapamil to be able to shrink plantar fibromas. Verapamil belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, they work by relaxing the muscles of the heart and blood vessels.
How Does Verapamil Work for Plantar Fibroma?
Plantar fibromas form when too much collagen forms in the ligaments of the foot, forming a firm mass. Verapamil works by decreasing how much collagen is made, and increases the breakdown of this collagen, making the fibroma smaller over time.
What to Expect During Verapamil Treatment
If your doctor recommends verapamil for your plantar fibroma, it's important to understand what to expect during the treatment process.
Typically, verapamil treatment involves applying a cream or gel to the area once or twice daily. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to apply this cream and for how long.
It's important to know that verapamil treatment for plantar fibroma is not a quick fix. It may take several weeks or even months to see a big improvement in the size of the fibroma and therefore less pain. For some people, verapamil cream will have to be used forever in order for their plantar fibroma to remain small. Consistency and patience are key during the treatment process.
In addition to using verapamil cream, your doctor may recommend other treatments. These may include stretching exercises, custom orthotics or shoe inserts, and physical therapy to improve foot function and lower pain in that area.
Possible Side Effects of Verapamil
Like any medication, verapamil may cause side effects in some people. However, the majority of people use verapamil cream with no problems, and side effects are rare. Some possible side effects can include:
Skin irritation
Redness or rash
Itching or burning
If you experience any severe or consistent side effects while using verapamil, be sure to contact your doctor.
The Future of Verapamil Therapy
Verapamil is not widely available for plantar fibromas, and results can be inconsistent. Research into the treatment of plantar fibroma continues; verapamil cream remains a safe and effective option for patients looking for relief from plantar fibroma pain. Verapamil offers hope for people looking to get rid of the pain in their feet.
If you're struggling with plantar fibroma, speak with your foot doctor or podiatrist to see if verapamil cream or laser therapy for foot pain is right for you. With proper treatment and management, you can take steps towards healing and reclaiming your active lifestyle.
Other Treatment Options for Plantar Fibromas
When a plantar fibroma causes pain, patients often wonder what treatments are available beyond creams or gels. Here are some of the most common approaches:
Orthotics or shoe inserts – Custom or supportive insoles can reduce pressure on the fibroma and make walking more comfortable, but they don’t shrink the fibroma itself.
Steroid injections – These may temporarily reduce inflammation or tenderness, but repeated injections can weaken tissue and don’t address the underlying problem.
Physical therapy or stretching – Gentle stretching and soft tissue therapy can help manage tightness in the arch, though they usually won’t make the fibroma disappear.
Surgery – In severe cases, surgical removal is sometimes offered, but it carries risks such as arch instability, scarring, or recurrence. Because of these risks, surgery is generally considered a last resort.
At Direct Podiatry AZ, we take an integrative approach — looking at your activity level, footwear, circulation, and inflammation patterns to create a personalized care plan. In addition to conservative care, we may recommend advanced therapies like laser treatment to reduce pain and support natural healing. These treatments aim to relieve discomfort while minimizing downtime and avoiding unnecessary surgery.
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