When this occurs, the excess friction can causebone spurs(osteophytes) to form.
Bone spurs can develop in any area of the body.
To help reduce symptoms:
If conservative methods do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended.
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Aganglioncystis a pocket of fluid that can develop in the capsule surrounding a foot joint.
It can also form on the tendon of numerous foot or toe muscles.
Occasionally the cyst may compress a nearby nerve, causing tingling or burning sensations.
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Typically, the cyst is relatively mobile and squishy feeling to the touch.
If your cysts aren’t causing symptoms, no treatment is needed.
To help fix the issue:
Occasionally, a corticosteroid injection to the bursa may also be needed.
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Myxoid cysts are sometimes called digital myxoid cysts,mucous cysts, mucous pseudocysts, or digital mucous.
These cysts are noncancerous (benign) and typically do not cause any pain.
While some myxoid cysts require treatment, many will resolve on their own.
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For some people, myxoid cysts can recur.
Most myxoid cysts are treated with non-surgical options.
This may include:
With any of these nonsurgical options, the cyst may return.
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A small amount of callus can be healthy, but it can be painful if it’s too thick.
Asymptomatic corns and calluses receive no treatment.
Surgical debridement by a podiatrist may be needed to relieve soreness or irritation.
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Gout flare-ups may occur sporadically andcan be preventedwith medications designed to lower your resting uric acid levels.
Your diet can also help prevent gout.
Rheumatoid Nodules
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
When cells in the bodys joints are attacked, it can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Typically, the lumps are round in shape and doughy feeling.
Asymptomatic nodules receive no treatment.
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Nodules that compress a nearby nerve or limit joint movement may need acorticosteroid injectionor surgical removal.
Lipomas
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Alipomais a deposit of fatty tissue that forms into a tumor.
This bang out of non-cancerous lump is usually located under the skin and has a soft and rubbery feeling.
Asymptomatic lumps receive no treatment.
If the tumor is growing or causing pain it may be surgically removed.
Skin Tags
In some instances,skin tagsmay appear around the foot or toes.
Skin tags are asymptomatic and are usually removed for cosmetic reasons only via cauterization or cryotherapy.
Warts
Along the same lines,wartsmay also grow in the forefoot or toe regions.
While there are some over-the-counter wart medications, the most successful treatment is surgical removal by a podiatrist.
Summary
Many different diseases and conditions can cause a bump on the toe.
Others, like gout or a malignant tumor, should be addressed immediately by a healthcare provider.
Paying attention to the appearance of the growth and any coinciding symptoms can help you determine the cause.
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2022 Mar-Apr;61(2):369-383. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2021.08.011
OrthoInfo.Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe).
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American Podiatric Medical Association.Bursitis.
2017;56(7):701-708. doi:10.1111/ijd.13583
American Association for Hand Surgery.A simple solution for a common problem.
DermNet.Digital mucous (myxoid) cyst.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat corns and calluses.
American Podiatric Medical Association.Corns and calluses.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Rheumatoid Nodules.
American College of Dermatology.Rheumatoid nodules
OrthoInfo,Lipoma and Atypical Lipomatous Tumors.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Skin tags.
University of Utah Health.Foot Injuries: When to See a Doctor.
