Tarsal boss what is

The tarsal boss, or bone spur, most frequently occurs at the first, second, or third tarsal-metatarsal joints, and is often an indication of wear and tear in these joints, midfoot arthritis.

Essentially, the bone spur creates the prominence, which leads to the localized discomfort from the pressure caused by a constrictive shoe. Most tarsal boss presentations can be treated non-operatively.

Creating a soft area in the shoe, and not tying shoes quite as tightly over this area will often lead to resolution of these symptoms, although the prominence on the top of the foot will not be fully resolved. In addition, shoes with an associated stiff sole can be helpful as this will put less force through the mid part of the foot.

Occasionally the prominence of the bone spur or of the associated pain from the underlying midfoot arthritis of the tarsal-metatarsal joints will necessitate surgical intervention. In this instance, there are two surgical procedures that can be performed:. Clinical Presentation A painful lump on the top of the foot is the main symptom of a tarsal boss. Physical Examination An examination will demonstrate a lump on the top dorsal aspect of the midfoot.

Imaging Plain x-rays of the foot will usually reveal a bone spur in the top part of the midfoot. Figure 1 Figure 1: Foot X-Ray showing Tarsal Boss midfoot Bone Spur The tarsal boss, or bone spur, most frequently occurs at the first, second, or third tarsal-metatarsal joints, and is often an indication of wear and tear in these joints, midfoot arthritis. Treatment Non-operative Treatment Most tarsal boss presentations can be treated non-operatively.

Figure 2: Skip Lacing Surgical Treatment Occasionally the prominence of the bone spur or of the associated pain from the underlying midfoot arthritis of the tarsal-metatarsal joints will necessitate surgical intervention. A number of potential ailments can produce a lump on top of your foot.

A quick inspection can help you identify the cause. A bone spur that grows out of a joint on the top of your foot is often referred to as a dorsal boss, dorsal exostosis, or tarsal boss. Bone spurs typically develop when your body grows extra bone in an attempt to repair damage caused by regular stress or pressure placed on a bone for a long period of time. Small sacs filled with lubricating fluid reduce friction and irritation between the bone, tendons, muscle, and skin near your joints.

These sacs are called bursae. Bursitis is the result of one of these sacs becoming inflamed. Bursitis can hinder movement and cause pain. Bursitis can occur on many places throughout your body, including the base of your big toe where your toe and foot connect. Symptoms usually last a few weeks and can be treated by resting the impacted area, applying ice and, if needed, taking an over-the-counter OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, such ibuprofen or aspirin. Cutaneous horns are a rare condition generally found on the face, neck, or shoulders.

Sometimes, they appear on the foot. The growths are made of keratin, a protein found in the top layer of the skin. A cutaneous horn may be a sign of cancer, so consult your doctor if you believe you have one. Ganglion cysts are lumps of tissue filled with fluid that resembles jelly. They can range in size from imperceptible to an inch or more in diameter.

While ganglion cysts sometimes go away without treatment, you may decide to have it removed. Your doctor will remove the cyst through surgical means or will drain the cyst by removing the fluid with a syringe. Facebook Twitter Youtube. New Patient Forms. Heather A. Leeb, D. Lenny X. Nguyen, D. January 27, Share This Post. Share on facebook. Share on linkedin.

Share on twitter. Share on email. Bony Lumps and Bumps A tarsal boss is a hard prominence on the top of your midfoot. Decompressing the Midfoot Our experts should be able to identify your tarsal boss through a thorough examination of your affected foot. Prev Previous Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformity.