Download Lumps on the Top of the Toes and Foot

ADVANCED FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALISTS, PA
Jay S. Weingarten, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAOM
Podiatric Physician and Surgeon
Board Certified Physician – Treating Pediatrics to Geriatrics
Lumps on the Top of the Toes and Foot
There are several different causes of lumps and bumps on the top of the
toes and foot. Working from the toes back these are:
1. Muco-Cutaneious Cyst
Small nodular single mass that can form on the top of the toe is called the
Muco-Cutaneious Cyst. These occur most frequently at the joint just
behind the toenail. These are caused by a weakening of the joint capsule,
which allows a swelling to occur. They are firm and rubbery to the touch.
Sometimes as the skin thins due to the stretching pressure of the mass it
will appear translucent. When the mass is broken or punctured, a thick clear
fluid will leak out. If the mass does break open, the area should be kept
clean and free of infection. Once the skin heals the mass will reappear.
2. Treatment of Muco-Cutaneious Cysts
Treatment consists of surgical excision. This can be performed in the
doctor's office under a local anesthesia or in an out patient surgery center.
The procedure is relatively simple but can pose a problem for the surgeon,
as closure of the skin following removal of the mass can be difficult. Often
the surgeon will have to create a skin flap to rotate over the hole where the
mass was removed. This requires a bit more of an incision than most
patients expect. The foot is bandaged in a dry sterile dressing and the
sutures remain in place from 7 to 10 days. The area must be kept dry
during this period of time and a limitation of activity is advised.
Complications associated with the surgery are infection, delays in healing
associated with difficulty in surgically closing the wound or excessive
activity which can lead to swelling and recurrence of the mass. Draining the
mass as a form of treatment is not advised unless the patient is made
aware of the likely recurrence. Picking the area open at home or attempting
to drain it at home is discouraged. An infection in the area could cause
permanent joint damage or bone infection.
3. Hammertoe Deformity
Another prominence on the top of the toes is caused by hammertoe
deformity. As the hammertoe forms, the toe cocks up and the joint in the
middle of the toe becomes prominent. As the toe rubs on the top of the
shoe a callus will form. Treatment consists of padding to reduce pressure or
surgical straightening of the toe (See surgical correction of hammertoe).
4. Hallux Limitus
A lump can be found just behind the toe at the joint where the toe attaches
to the foot. This is due to a prominence of the head of the metatarsal bone.
It indicates that there is an alignment problem with the bones in the ball of
the foot. The area may or may not cause a problem. If the lump is behind
the big toe joint, it is a sign of a progressive arthritis of the joint. The
condition is called Hallux limitus or degenerative arthritis. Treatment
consists of orthotics to improve the function of the joint and/or surgical
correction. (See surgical correction of hallux limitus).
5. Metatarsal-Cuniform Exostosis, Ganglion
Further up on top of the foot a bony prominence can form. This occurs near
the middle of the foot and is due to the formation of bone spurs in the area.
Jamming of two bones can over time, cause the spurring. The condition is
named after the bones involved and is termed metatarsal –cuniform
exostosis. On occasion, as the spurring forms, a weakening of the joint
capsule occurs and a ganglion will form. A ganglion is a soft, rubbery mass,
which slowly enlarges. Often the ganglion will form without a spur forming
first. Treatment consists of padding the area to reduce the pressure from
shoes or surgical removal of the bone spur and ganglion if present (See
surgical correction of Metatarsal-cuniform exostosis).
6. Other
Yet another area that can demonstrate a lump or bump on the top of the
foot is an area just below the ankle on the outside of the foot. Normally
there is a small fleshy area. This is the only muscle on the top of the foot
called the Extensor digatorum brevis muscle. Some people have a larger
muscle than others and the area may appear enlarged. The area may also
enlarge if a lipoma or ganglion forms in this area. A MRI is a useful test to
determine if a lipoma or ganglion is present. No treatment is recommended
if there is no pain associated with the area.
1233 SE Indian St., Suite 102, Stuart, FL 34997
tel. 772-223-8313, fax 772-223-8675
1106 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 4, Jupiter, FL 33458 tel. 561-744-6683, fax 561-744-7033