Differential Diagnosis for a Hard Bump on the Midfoot
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sesamoiditis or Sesamoid Bone Fracture: This is a common condition where the sesamoid bones under the first metatarsal bone become inflamed or fractured, leading to a hard bump on the midfoot. The sesamoid bones are embedded within a tendon and help to reduce friction and pressure on the foot.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Plantar Fibroma: A benign growth on the plantar fascia, which can cause a hard bump on the midfoot.
- Morton's Neuroma: A thickening of the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, which can cause a hard bump on the midfoot.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joints, which can cause a hard bump on the midfoot.
- Ganglion Cyst: A non-cancerous lump that can develop on the midfoot, often attached to a tendon or joint.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause a hard bump on the midfoot, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Ewing's Sarcoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause a hard bump on the midfoot, which requires prompt treatment.
- Bone Tumor (e.g. osteochondroma): A type of tumor that can cause a hard bump on the midfoot, which can be benign or malignant.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Plantar Lipoma: A rare, benign tumor of fat cells that can cause a hard bump on the midfoot.
- Foreign Body Reaction: A reaction to a foreign object (e.g. a splinter) that can cause a hard bump on the midfoot.
- Gouty Tophus: A deposit of uric acid crystals that can cause a hard bump on the midfoot, often associated with gout.