Painful Lump Over The Foot – It Could Be Bony Spurs

Posted by Dr Chang Haw Chong on March 16, 2011 · 3 Comments 


This is a peculiar situation that presents to my clinic from time to time. The patient complains of a painful swelling over the top of the foot. This lump feels bony and can be “unsightly”.

Metatarsal Base Bony Bossing

Metatarsal Base Bony Bossing | HC Chang Orthopaedic Surgery

A possible diagnosis is a ganglion.  This is a fluid-filled sac arising next to the joint or tendon sheath.

However, in this case, the problem is bony bossing of the base of the bone of the foot (metatarsal bone).

A simple x-ray of the foot taken in the “true-lateral” view with clinch the diagnosis.

Tarso-Metatarsal Joint Osteophyte

Tarso-Metatarsal Joint Osteophyte

A zoomed in view:

TMTJ Osteophytic Spurs

TMTJ Osteophytic Spurs

The treatment can be avoiding tight  shoes that presses onto the bony spur or surgically remove the bony spur.

For more information on lumps and bumps of the foot, please contact us at 683 666 36 or email us at hcchang@ortho.com.sg

You can obtain more information from our website at http://www.ortho.com.sg

 

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Comments
3 Responses to “Painful Lump Over The Foot – It Could Be Bony Spurs”
  1. Denise Wilson says:
    May 13, 2018 at 12:15 am

    Both feet are suffering from bones on top.

    Reply
  2. B Allen says:
    October 28, 2019 at 9:38 pm

    I have these on top of both of my feet as well. I also just developed one on the outside of my left foot. That one is giving me some problems/pain. Ugh… Getting old is not fun.

    Reply
  3. T.Lenzi says:
    August 27, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    I have one on my right foot. Im a nurse so I walk alot. ugh the pain is unbearable at times any home rememdy?

    Reply

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