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What Does A Hard Mass In The Gastrocnemius Joint Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014
Question: I have a hard mass right where the gastrocnemius joins whatever tendon it connects to on the lower part. i also feel a little nodule or two down further on the tendon / ligament -- I'm heading in to my sports ortho friday for an exam and possible MRI/images...any other info you can provide? Naturally, I'm concerned with this situation -- lumps and masses can be scary, but I'm curious to know if this sounds common, or not common and what are the possible things this might be -- I've done some internet searching (NIH, WebMD, etc) and found some things like cysts, benign tumors, malignant tumors, etc -- I'm wondering what the likelihood is for these various outcomes. I tend to be fairly aware of my body and it's mechanics since I'm a very active athlete. I don't recall having any injury to this area of my calf, but I could have in th years of running, cycling, etc that I've done. Could this be scar tissue, etc? The only reason I've detected this is because I was getting some sensations (a little weakness, tightness when running off that leg) that I've not had in the past. My GP didn't see or feel anything, but he didn't do a deep exam -- just tested my nerve and pulse at the base of my legs for symmetry. There is definitely something there at that muscle attachment, but I can't tell if it's the muscle or the tendon since it's right at the connection. Anyway, more data for your consideration -- THANKS!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: This can be retrocalcaneal bursitis Detailed Answer: Hello, I can understand your concern. I want to assure you that you are having retrocalcaneal bursitis. It is a condition in athletes in which fluid get connected at position you mentioned. This can be cured by hot water fomentation, steroid injection and foot wear change. Other diagnosis can be hugland deformity. It is bony spur at heel bone. This is also non serious condition which can be treated by surgery. After images and MRI diagnosis will be confirmed.I hope this answers your queries. Let me know if you want to ask any thing else. Thanks and take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (6 hours later)
Ok thanks. Would this condition present itself as a hard mass? This thing feels pretty sturdy -- does that make sense with this diagnosis? I'm still getting examined, just curious -- thanks! I looked up retrocalcaneal bursitis. That looks like it's associated lower on the leg. This mass is more in the middle of my lower leg right where the gastroc attaches at the tendon....does that make sense?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer: It can be a exostosis Detailed Answer: Hello, If it is in the middle of leg and it is very solid then it can be a exostosis or bony tumour. It is very difficult to comment without seeing x ray and MRI. If skin over it is freely mobile then it is not dangerous. You can send me x ray images. I will be able to help you in a better way. Thanks .
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4486 Questions

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What Does A Hard Mass In The Gastrocnemius Joint Indicate?

Brief Answer: This can be retrocalcaneal bursitis Detailed Answer: Hello, I can understand your concern. I want to assure you that you are having retrocalcaneal bursitis. It is a condition in athletes in which fluid get connected at position you mentioned. This can be cured by hot water fomentation, steroid injection and foot wear change. Other diagnosis can be hugland deformity. It is bony spur at heel bone. This is also non serious condition which can be treated by surgery. After images and MRI diagnosis will be confirmed.I hope this answers your queries. Let me know if you want to ask any thing else. Thanks and take care