Appearance of a small tumour or lump in the back of the foot. It is due to a bony prominence, usually of small size, in one of the joints in the middle of the foot.
It is more common in women. It may present isolated or in combination with other pathologies such as bunions or systemic conditions such as diabetes, Charcot arthropathy or other arthropathies.
It may be asymptomatic but when it presents symptoms it is due to the existence of degenerative changes or signs of stress of the joint and/or the structures on which it depends.
Diagnosis is made through reviewing the patient's clinical questioning and a physical examination. High resolution ultrasound allows an efficient diagnosis of this condition.
Treatment is generally conservative, with anti-inflammatories and measures aimed at avoiding pressure or friction of the footwear on this bony prominence, avoiding the use of tight footwear, or with the placement of a small soft cushion that covers it. Surgical treatment is performed occasionally, and is reserved for cases in which degenerative changes are associated.
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- Clawson DK, Jackson DW, Ostergaard DJ. It's past time to reform the musculoskeletal curriculum. Acad Med 2001; 76:709.

