That stubborn bump under your toenail, the ingrown nail that keeps coming back, or the persistent ache in a small bone of your foot may not be what you think. Sometimes the culprit is a benign bone growth called an osteochondroma, and getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, bring more than 20 years of experience diagnosing and surgically managing bone tumors of the foot and ankle. Their practice has been voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012.
What Is an Osteochondroma?
An osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor and the most common type of non-cancerous bone growth, accounting for roughly 50% of all benign bone tumors. They most often appear in the long tubular bones of adolescents and young adults, with a peak incidence in the second decade of life and a male-to-female ratio of about 2:1.
In the foot, these growths can develop in the small bones of the toes or in the bone beneath the toenail. When found under the nail, a related condition called subungual exostosis is often suspected, which typically forms after trauma to the toe.
Symptoms to Watch For
Many osteochondromas cause little or no discomfort. Others become symptomatic when they press on the surrounding tissue. Common signs include:
- A firm bump on or near the toe
- Deformity or lifting of the toenail
- Recurring ingrown toenails
- Pain with shoe pressure or activity
- Swelling or irritation around the affected area
Related Bone Tumors of the Foot
Enchondromas are another benign tumor made of cartilage and are the most common bone tumors of the hands and feet. They can thin the bone and, in some cases, mimic the pain of an ingrown toenail. Rare hereditary conditions such as hereditary multiple exostoses (osteochondromatosis), Ollier’s disease, and Maffucci’s syndrome can produce multiple growths and require closer long-term monitoring.
How Osteochondromas Are Treated
If the growth is small and painless, conservative monitoring may be all that is needed. When symptoms develop, surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The removed tissue is sent to a pathologist for final confirmation, which is an important step in ruling out other conditions. Recurrence is possible, so follow-up visits are recommended.
Recovery and Results
Most patients return to normal activity within a few weeks. Bandaging, protected weight-bearing, and short-term activity modifications help the area heal. To support faster recovery, our team may incorporate MLS laser therapy, an FDA-cleared treatment that reduces pain and inflammation with an 85–90% efficacy rate, along with in-office physical therapy when appropriate.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Osteochondroma Treatment in The Woodlands, TX?
Patients across Greater Houston choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists because our team combines compassionate, patient-centered care with leading-edge technology. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are board-certified surgeons who personally guide every step of the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process, offering everything from precise surgical excision to advanced postoperative therapies in one convenient location.
With 14 consecutive years as Living Magazine’s Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands, prompt scheduling for urgent concerns, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, our practice is trusted by children, athletes, active adults, and seniors throughout Montgomery County.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have a painful bump, a recurring ingrown toenail, or a suspicious growth on your foot, an accurate diagnosis can change everything. Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists offers expert evaluation and treatment for osteochondromas, enchondromas, and related lumps, cysts, and tumors of the foot. Call our office in The Woodlands, TX at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956 to book a consultation.