From the Research
The most prominent bone on the top of the right foot is likely the navicular bone or one of the five metatarsal bones, and if you're experiencing pain or a bump, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as it could be due to conditions like a bone spur, ganglion cyst, or extensor tendonitis, as suggested by 1. The top of the right foot contains several bones, primarily the tarsal bones (which form the ankle and rear of the foot) and the metatarsal bones (which form the middle part of the foot). Some possible causes of pain or a bump on the top of the foot include:
- Bone spurs, which are bony projections that develop along bone edges, often due to pressure or friction over time
- Ganglion cysts, which are noncancerous lumps that can develop on the top of the foot
- Extensor tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendons that run along the top of the foot
- Arthritis, which can cause pain and swelling in the joints of the foot
- Stress fractures, which are small cracks in the bones of the foot
- Wearing tight shoes that compress the foot, which can cause pain and swelling on the top of the foot. Imaging like X-rays may be needed to evaluate the bone structure and determine the cause of the pain or bump, as described in 2 and 3. It's also important to note that weak muscles may play a role in bunion-related pain and movement problems, and muscle-strengthening exercises may help people with bunions, as suggested by 4. However, the initial treatment of symptomatic bunions should be non-operative, and referral to an orthopaedic surgeon is recommended if the patient has a painful prominence, has exhausted non-operative treatment, and is a suitable operative candidate, as recommended by 1.