Bunions are a common occurrence on the side of a toe joint, but what happens when a bony prominence develops in a different location, like on the top of your midfoot? Bone spurs can form in this location, and it is often classified as what’s known as a “tarsal boss.” Below, we take a closer look at tarsal bosses, why they occur and how they are best treated.
Bump On The Middle Of My Feet
The onset of a bone spur in the midfoot is typically caused by constrictive footwear, although there may be a bigger underlying problem of arthritis in the midfoot joints. Patients may notice some moderate discomfort in the midfoot which is eventually followed by the development of a protuberance or small bump on the midfoot. Aside from pain and discomfort, midfoot bunions can make it difficult for a person to wear certain types of shoes.
If you’ve developed a bump in the midfoot, head into a foot specialist’s office for a consultation. They will take a look at the foot to see the extent of the bone spur and how it can be best treated. More than likely the doctor will order x-rays to get a better look at the bone spur development as well as if there are fluid-filled sacs around or near the spur. Tarsal bosses are most common along the first, second or third metatarsal joints, but your doctor will be able to pinpoint its exact location with imaging tests.
Treating Midfoot Bone Spurs
In most cases, treatment for midfoot bone spurs is non-operative in nature. The goal of conservative care is to take pressure off the bony prominence so that symptoms will relieve. This involves purchasing new footwear or modifying existing options to ensure there is plenty of room in the tongue area for the spur to not be overly pressurized. In addition, stiff soled shoes can help to take pressure off your midfoot region. Your doctor may also walk you through some shoe lacing techniques to avoid having lacing go directly over the bump.
On the off chance that you have a severe bone spur, or conservative care techniques aren’t helping with symptoms, a minimally invasive operation may be suggested. If surgery is recommended, one of two operations will be performed:
Removal of the Prominent Dorsal Bone Spur – The spur is identified and removed, but the underlying issue isn’t addressed. There is a chance that the bone spur will return in the future. Recovery time is quick.
Fusion of the Midfoot Joint – If the bone spur is due to severe midfoot arthritis, joint fusion may be your best bet. Your midfoot joints will be fused with surgical hardware, and you’ll have to remain off the foot for 6-8 weeks, but it can be very helpful with reducing pain and discomfort.