Bone Growth on Top of Foot: Causes & Treatment | DPM

Quick answer: Bone Growth Top Of Foot affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 7, 2026

Bone Growth On Top of Foot
Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment

A bone growth on top of the foot can be uncomfortable and limit your daily activities, even though it’s typically not dangerous. However, it’s crucial to have it professionally evaluated to ensure it’s not something more serious. At our podiatry clinic, we offer expert diagnosis and plan tailored to your foot types to help relieve your discomfort and restore foot function. Don’t guess—get answers you can trust. Schedule your consultation today for a thorough foot assessment and take the first step toward lasting relief.

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Extra Bone Growth on Top of Foot Treatment Video

Abnormal Bone Growth on Top of Foot Causes

Bone growth on top of the foot overview:

• There are many different causes of bone growth on top of the foot.
• The most common is a metatarsal cuneiform exostosis, but this can cause nerve pressure on top of the foot.
• A bone growth on top of the foot is an annoying but non-dangerous problem to have. Luckily there are some treatments designed to handle it!
• This guide focuses specifically on the problems known as metatarsal cuneiform exostosis.

Causes:

• A very high foot arch (aka Cavus Foot).
• Increased mobility or hypermobility, essential to a “loose joint.”
• Irritation of the joint due to poor biomechanics.
• Genetics or family history
• Prior injury or broken foot

Specific Causes:

Top of the Foot Neuritis:

• A Medial Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve Neuritis can occur.
• This leads to a sensation of numbness, burning, or tingling.
• This can cause numbness, burning & tingling at the top of your foot & big toe.
• This is due to the compression of the nerve on top of your midfoot & big toe.
• This nerve compression is reversible, but it can take days, weeks, or months.
• This type of nerve irritation is known as neuropraxia.

Muscle Knot On Top Of Foot:

It is also possible to have a muscle knot on top of the foot.

• This could be due to the extensor digitorium brevis.
• This is a ball of muscle on top of your foot.
• It is responsible for pulling your toes up.
• It is on the middle outside part of your foot, just before the ankle.

Knot on Top Of Foot Symptoms:

• Swelling or bruising on the suspected region.
• Difficulty pulling the toes up.
• Push on the muscle knot with your finger. If painful, this is likely.
• If it is bone, the knot on top of your foot will likely be on the inside top of the foot.

Metatarsal Exostosis: A hard bump

This is a fancy name for bone growth on top of your foot.

• The two bones at the joint can develop extra bone growth, which feels like a big lump on the top of your foot.
• It is usually associated with bone spurs or arthritis in your mid-foot.
• It is also common in high arched feet.
• This problem, unfortunately, is part of the bone, so it will either need surgery or accommodation.
• If it is really irritating you, this can cause medial dorsal cutaneous nerve irritation on top of your foot.
• This can cause numbness, burning, or tingling in the foot or the big toe.

Sprained Top Of Foot:

• A sprain in the top of the foot or the arch is called a Lisfranc sprain.
• In most cases, it is usually only a sprain that lasts a couple of days to a couple of weeks.
• But in some cases, it may be essential to seek imaging & further treatment.

Arch Pain & Mid-Foot Pain:

• Arch pain is one of the most common sources of foot pain in the world.
• 15% of all people get it in their lives.
• This pain is usually worse in the morning & gets better after moving around for a little while.
• If you have pain after rest & in the morning, consider this!

Ganglionic cyst – A soft bump:

• Ganglionic cysts are soft masses across the top of the foot which are not immediately dangerous!
• These are simply pockets of fluid that pouch out from the joints of your foot bones like a balloon.
• Treatment consists of draining and removing the pocket of fluid.
• But they should still check out by a podiatrist because there is a chance that they may be something a little more dangerous.

Symptoms:

• Tough bump on top of the foot.
• It rubs the skin against the top of your shoe.
• Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly
• Numbness, tingling, or burning may be associated with this problem.

Home Treatment for Bony Growth

• The main goal of treating this disorder is to take the pressure of prominence.
• The second goal is to improve the improper biomechanics that is causing the pain in this area.

1)Reduce The Inflammation:

This should decrease the numbness, burning, and tingling in the foot if it exists. If you are not really in pain and experiencing numbness, burning, and tingling, skip to the more permanent treatments.

A)Ice:

• Like anti-inflammatory medications and elevating your foot, using ice is not just about reducing pain but also about reducing inflammation!
• Icing will decrease inflammation in that area and allow the tissues to start healing faster.
• Ice works by slowing down inflammatory cells, and then after the ice is removed, the blood flow increases and flushes away all the mediators and cells you don’t want in the painful area.

B)Cool Water Baths:

• If ice is just too impractical or unpleasant for you, try using some cool water, put it in a foot bath, and just soak your feet in it for 10-20 minutes using the same principles as above.
• Wait for your feet to adjust to the cool water, and then finish your bath.

C)Elevation:

• Like the Icing and the anti-inflammatory medication, this will help decrease the anti-inflammatory cells in the region.
• Just toss up your feet throughout the day on some pillows while watching TV and combine it with ice for best results!

D)Anti-inflammatory Medication:

• The goal of this treatment is not for pain relief!
• Most guys especially say they don’t need it for the pain or that it doesn’t even help that much, but this is to help your tissues heal faster, not so much for the pain relief.
• Anti-inflammatory medications like Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, or Aspirin help speed up the healing process by stopping inflammatory cells in your body from further destroying tissues. The immune system is stuck in a problematic cycle where it is trying to remodel the tissues, but as the weeks and months go by, they just never get there.
• This is where anti-inflammatory medications come in.

E)Combined Ice/Cooling, Elevation, and Anti-inflammatory medication:

•  These three combined together have shown great results in research studies.

Inflammation Products:

Relieve Pain & Inflammation So That You Can Stretch:

• Relief of stress from the site is significant.
• You can’t stretch or heal a 10/10 painful and sore muscle.
• You have to cool it down first.
• We prefer icing for 20 minutes at a time, but if you want to save time => Try Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel!
• As the muscles relax, the midfoot and top of the foot can work more naturally and flexibly.

Relax the Muscle So That It is More Flexible:

• Massage roller sticks and devices will help you get more flexible.
• After you massage the muscle, it is important to take advantage and get more flexible.
• This works best through the calf muscle, the hamstring, and the thigh muscle.
• This also works well for the gluteal muscles and hips.

2)Offload the Bump:

• Padding –  Any felt pad or gel pad will work. The goal is to prevent the foot from rubbing against the top of your shoe.
• Skip Lacing  – Lace up your shoes so that you skip the area where the bump on top of your foot is.
• Limit your barefoot walking or walking without orthotics- walking barefoot flattens out your foot and compresses that joint.
• Orthotics- get your hands on a good but still not expensive pair of orthotics such as powersteps ($25 or so)
• Shoes: Properly measure yourself for your shoe using a Brannock Device at an athletic shoe store. Getting some extra depth shoes and skip lacing should be enough to avoid putting pressure on the bump.

For Bone Growth on the Top of the Front of the Foot:

Biomechanical Correction:

Get Great Shoes:

• The key to preventing your heel pain is to have a good supportive shoe that supports your ankle joint and subtalar joint from everting.
• If you have a good supportive shoe that keeps pressure on your joints so that your ankle, Achilles tendon, and subtalar joint do not have to work as hard.
• This almost seems counter-intuitive, but when people switch to really good supportive shoes that fit properly, the ankle and Achilles tendon pain should gradually improve.
• A great orthotic and a great shoe work very well for the top of the foot pain and arthritis.

Get A Great Stability Brace:

• When you are very sore… Make sure you have great support.
• As the soreness decreases, you can go with a long-term compression brace.
• As the ankle stability is maintained, less compensation through the midfoot and top of the foot occur.

Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):

The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.

Most Supportive Premium Brace.

Best Budge Supportive Brace.

Price:

$54.99

Price not available

$29.99

Overview:

Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.

This is the best brace for pure support, but it can’t fit in more snug shoes.

Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.

Pros:

Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.

This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it’s job.

Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.

Cons:

The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!

The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.

The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.

Important Tips:

Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.

This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.

This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Compare Stores:

👟 Compare Prices:

👟 Compare Prices:

👟 Compare Prices:

Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):

The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.

Price:

$54.99

Overview:

Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.

Pros:

Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.

Cons:

The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!

Important Tips:

Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon

Compare Stores:

👟 Compare Prices:

Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):

Most Supportive Premium Brace.

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

This is the best brace for pure support, but it can’t fit in more snug shoes.

Pros:

This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it’s job.

Cons:

The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.

Important Tips:

This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon

Compare Stores:

👟 Compare Prices:

Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):

Best Budge Supportive Brace.

Price:

$29.99

Overview:

Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.

Pros:

Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.

Cons:

The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.

Important Tips:

This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon

Compare Stores:

👟 Compare Prices:

Get A Great Compression Brace:

• These are more for long-term support.
• The stability braces are better for heavy-duty and severe injury.
• As the ankle stability is maintained, less compensation through the midfoot and top of the foot occur.

Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:

Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)

Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.

Price:

Price not available

Price not available

Overview:

This is The Top Level Brace – Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.

This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.

Pros:

Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.

Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.

Cons:

Expensive. It doesn’t do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.

Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.

Important Tips:

This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**

This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don’t use this for an acute sprain or injury.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:

Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

This is The Top Level Brace – Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.

Pros:

Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.

Cons:

Expensive. It doesn’t do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.

Important Tips:

This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon

Best Heel & Ankle Compression Braces:

Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.

Pros:

Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.

Cons:

Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.

Important Tips:

This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don’t use this for an acute sprain or injury.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon

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Bone Growth on Top of the Foot: Common Questions Answered by Foot Specialists

What causes bone growth on top of the foot?

Bone growths, or bone spurs, often develop due to joint stress, arthritis, trauma, or tight footwear that places constant pressure on the foot.

Is a bone spur on top of the foot dangerous?

Not always. Many bone spurs are harmless, but if they press on nerves or soft tissues, they can cause pain, inflammation, or limit your foot’s movement.

How do I know if I have a bone spur or something else?

Symptoms like a hard bump, discomfort when wearing shoes, or pain when walking could signal a bone spur. A podiatrist can confirm it through a physical exam and imaging tests like an X-ray.

Can I treat bone growth on the top of my foot at home?

You may find temporary relief by wearing wider shoes, using padding, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. However, long-term relief often requires professional treatment.

When should I see a podiatrist?

If the bone growth causes pain, interferes with walking, or keeps getting worse, it’s time to consult a podiatrist. Early intervention can prevent further complications.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment ranges from conservative care like custom orthotics, shoe modifications, or cortisone injections to surgical removal in severe cases.

Can bone spurs on the foot go away on their own?

No, bone spurs don’t disappear on their own. But symptoms can be managed or eliminated with proper treatment from a foot specialist.

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Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
• Bunion Treatment

Clinical References

1. Boc SF, Namburi N. Bone spur formation. StatPearls. 2023.
2. Thordarson DB, Schmotzer H, Chon J. Reconstruction with tenodesis in an adult flatfoot model. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1995;77(10):1557-1564.
3. Van der Krans A, Dorrestijn O, Winia PC. Bone spurs on the dorsal midfoot: a common finding and not always symptomatic. Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2009;15(2):83-86.

Podiatrist-Recommended Products

🏆 Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Our top recommendation for reducing foot pain and inflammation naturally. Apply daily to affected areas.

PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles — Reduces mechanical stress on the foot structures that cause pain. Physician-grade support in an OTC package.

CURREX Support Insoles — Dynamic arch support available in low, medium, and high arch profiles for a personalized fit.

Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)

If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a podiatrist?

If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).

What does treatment cost?

Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.

What is Foot pain?

Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.

Symptoms and warning signs

Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.

Conservative treatment options

Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.

Recovery timeline and prevention

Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot pain, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.