Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBunions (Hallux Valgus)Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)Ganglion CystBursitisMyxoid CystsCorns and CallusesGoutRheumatoid NodulesLipomasOther CausesHome RemediesWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)
Ganglion Cyst
Bursitis
Myxoid Cysts
Corns and Calluses
Gout
Rheumatoid Nodules
Lipomas
Other Causes
Home Remedies
When to Seek Medical Care
When a painful bump on the toe develops, the complexity of the foot can make it challenging to pinpoint common causes like cysts, corns, callouses, and blisters. Each foot consists of 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 tendons and ligaments working together to make standing and walking possible.
Treatment depends on the cause of the toe bump but can vary from changing shoes, icing, and medication to surgery or other medical procedures.
catinsyrup / Getty Images
Many different underlying conditions and activities can lead to the development of a painful toe bump. Fortunately, paying attention to the area of the foot where the bump occurs and any other coinciding symptoms typically leads to a potential cause.
Dmitrii Marchenko / Getty Images
Bunions—also known ashallux valgus(HAV)—occur when your big toe begins to point to the pinky toe (or lesser toes).
They typically arise slowly over time and can eventually lead to a painful prominence on the outer border of the base of the big toe. Other types of bunions, called tailor’s bunion or a bunionette, can also develop on the base of the fifthtoe.
It is not entirely understoodwhy bunions occur; however, certain foot types or anatomical variations may make this condition more likely. Along with a painful bump, bunions may also cause redness, burning, or numbness in the area of the prominence.
Treatment
To help control symptoms:
That said,surgical correctionmay be necessary if conservative measures fail to address the pain.
The ends of the bones in our body are covered in a smooth, slippery surface (called articular cartilage) that helps one bone move easily against another. Sometimes, as a result of an acute injury or chronic wear and tear, this cartilage begins to wear away. When this occurs, the excess friction can causebone spurs(osteophytes) to form.
Bone spurs can develop in any area of the body. In the foot, they commonly occur at the first digit (hallux limitus) on the top side of the toe bones and can cause a painful bump to develop in this area. Other symptoms include pain or stiffness while walking (especially as you push through the toes) and swelling in the forefoot or toe regions.
To help reduce symptoms:
If conservative methods do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended. Procedures may include:
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photounomat / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
unomat / Getty Images
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. Typically seen on the top of the foot or toes, these cysts can be either small or large and may resolve and reappear sporadically.
While their specific cause is still debated, it is thought that chronic micro-trauma or an acute injury in the region may be to blame.
If your cysts aren’t causing symptoms, no treatment is needed. If you are experiencing symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest:
Bursasare fluid-filled sacs that help reduce the friction between bones and tendons. Occasionally, direct trauma to the area or a repetitive activity (like jumping or running) can cause the fluid in these sacs to become inflamed and swollen.
This is calledbursitisand is a relatively common occurrence in the bottom of the feet near the base of the toes. When bursitis develops, it can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and the development of a prominent bump in the area.
To help resolve the issue:
Occasionally, a corticosteroid injection to the bursa may also be needed.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoSvetlana Sarapultseva / Getty Images
Svetlana Sarapultseva / Getty Images
Amyxoidcystis a pea-sized cyst that occurs close to the nail bed at the end of a finger or toe. 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. 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.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoAlena Ivochkina / Getty Images
Alena Ivochkina / Getty Images
Corns and callusesdevelop when repetitive rubbing or friction on the toes leads to the development of a thickened patch of skin.They are typically rough or coarse feeling to the touch and may look similar to a common wart.
While this dense layer of skin is meant to protect the toes from irritating pressure, it can cause pain in the area if it becomes too thick or prominent. A small amount of callus can be healthy, but it can be painful if it’s too thick.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoRobert Kirk / Getty Images
Robert Kirk / Getty Images
Goutis a form of inflammatory arthritis caused when excess uric acid builds up in the body and forms sharp, microscopic crystals within a joint. Occasionally, these crystals can also clump together around the joint in masses (calledtophi) that look like small nodules beneath the skin.
Gout is often found in the big toe, but can also affect other joints including other toes, the ankles, and the knees.
The condition typically comes on without warning and leads to excruciating pain, swelling, warmth, and sensitivity in the affected region. It can also make it difficult to walk, wear socks, or even place a bedsheet over the foot.
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.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Rheumatoid nodulesare one potential side effect ofrheumatoid arthritis, a disease that causes the immune system to attack its own cells. When cells in the body’s joints are attacked, it can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
In more severe cases rheumatoid nodules can occur near a joint or area where pressure occurs, including the toes. Typically, the lumps are round in shape and doughy feeling. Nodules can be as small as a pencil eraser or as large as a fist and are typically not tender to the touch.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoElena Ulasik / Getty Images
Elena Ulasik / Getty Images
Alipomais a deposit of fatty tissue that forms into a tumor. This type of non-cancerous lump is usually located under the skin and has a soft and rubbery feeling. While most are commonly found in areas like the upper back, shoulder, buttocks, or thighs, lipomas can also grow in any soft tissue, including the toes.
Asymptomatic lumps receive no treatment. If the tumor is growing or causing pain it may be surgically removed.
While the conditions discussed above are the most frequent causes of a bump on your toe, less common diagnoses may also be to blame.
Skin Tags
In some instances,skin tagsmay appear around the foot or toes. These brown or flesh-colored growths are benign and are commonly small in size and attached to the skin via a narrower stalk. Skin tags are asymptomatic and are usually removed for cosmetic reasons only via cauterization or cryotherapy.
Warts
Cancerous Tumors
Finally, in extremely rare cases, a cancerous tumor can be to blame for your toe bump. In addition to a visual lump, a malignant growth in the toes can also cause pain, difficulty walking, swelling, and a fever.
Treatments vary depending on the type of tumor; however, surgical removal,chemotherapy, and radiation are generally utilized.
Home Remedies for Bumps on the Toe
When to See a Healthcare Provider
While most toe bumps are asymptomatic and can be well-managed at home, some are not and should be treated immediately. A physical evaluation is usually necessary to determine the cause of your specific toe issue and the appropriate treatment strategy.
Summary
Many different diseases and conditions can cause a bump on the toe. Some, like a lipoma, a skin tag, or a ganglion cyst, can be asymptomatic and are usually left untreated.
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