Question: I have a lump about ½” in diameter on the top of my foot between my third and fourth toes (not on the bottom of my foot or between my toes, but on the top under the crease between the toes).

Day 1 - Sun 11/1, a couple of hours after a 3 mi walk, feel stinging/burning (?) sensation on top of left foot. Took off shoes and socks to find a pink area and small bump. Uncomfortable to walk on.

Day 2 - Next day, swelling and pain were significantly increased. Whole foot was swollen from base of ankle for 24-36 hours. Almost impossible to walk – limped on heel. After swelling subsided, the color of skin over lump turned from pink to purple. (have photo)

Day 8 - Sun, 1/8 went to urgent care for evaluation. Unremarkable X-ray and referred for ultrasound. (Xray report reads, “Mild dorsal midfoot soft tissue swelling. No fracture, focal lesion, or malalignment. Mild degenerative joint space narrowing of the interphalangeal joints.”) (have photo)

Day 10 – Ultrasound. Report reads, “Focal ultrasound scanning was performed in the soft tissues between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. There are 2 hypoechoic masses that are suspicious for Morton neuromas. Hypoechoic masses at the site of clinical concern are suspicious for Morton neuromas. Biopsy or excision is recommended for confirmation.” Referred to podiatrist.

Day 16 – Initial consult with podiatrist. He said the presentation was not indicative of a neuroma. He said it might be bursitis but expressed uncertainty. He reviewed the ultrasound but did not make any conclusions. He did not make any initial treatment recommendations. I asked if I should pursue additional imaging. He said he would authorize an MRI if the condition didn’t improve and I requested it. He added, “serious problems very rarely occur in the foot.” (At this point, I am requesting the MRI, but haven’t had it scheduled yet. Looking for some other perspectives since this seems like an odd case.)

Meanwhile - Pain has become minimal, but I deliberately hadn’t worn shoes since the first. Size seems to be stable or growing. I have been able to walk with minimal discomfort but find that the discoloration on my foot gets worse when I am active.

Day 24 – I saw my GP because the condition seemed to be persistent and I wanted to get a second opinion. He believed that there was an infection present, even if it were secondary to the hard lump, that needed to be treated and prescribed 10 days of sulfa. About halfway through and the issue seems to be unchanged.

Day 29 – Sun 11/29 – Lump remains hard, the skin over the lump changes from pink/red to purple/blue/gray, and back again. The color seems to be related to activity level. I would like to know “WHAT” this is and how I can treat it since it does have me a little worried and it is limiting my physical activity. (have photo)

Possibly Relevant history - Possible injury in early August (badly stubbed 3rd or 4th toe). Recent/persistent eczema/psoriasis condition between toes treated with topical steroid, likely led to some cracked skin, no bleeding or oozing observed... though dog possibly licked.