Question
Dear Dr. Katz,

I have developed a lump on the outside of my foot which seems to be getting worse. At first it was just tender, but now it seems to spasm if I bump it slightly or step wrong. I have a doctors appt, but couldn't get in for a month. This appears to be at the base of my fifth metatarsal bone from what I have read. I have not done anything to injure it recently, but about 15 years ago, a friend accidently jumped on it when I had sandles on and the whole side of my foot was purple. I did not have it checked at the time, but I wonder if it could have any bearing on the problem now.

Answer
There are several possibilities.  See a podiatrist and have an x-ray.  The possible problems include stress fracture, an accessory bone.  With spasms, I would consider a problem with the tendon that attaches to the base of the 5th metatarsal.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
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