This is one of the more common bony lesions of the foot. It is a benign tumor of bone and cartilage. It is generally found underneath the toenail and may press upwards resulting in deformity of the nail plate and/ or soft tissues. In severe lesions, the overlying tissues may ulcerate and become infected. This lesion responds well to surgical excision, and rarely reoccurs.



Symptoms
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•Deformity and separation of the nail plate, expansion of the soft tissues
•Direct pressure on the nail may be painful
•Aggravated by wearing tight shoes.
•There may be signs of ulceration and infection.

Causes
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•Cause is unknown, but believed to be trauma

What you can do
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•Consult a podiatrist or physician
•Avoid tight fitting foot wear
•If an infection develops soak the foot in a basin of warm water two or three times a day. Contact your podiatrist or physician immediately.
•Abnormal growths and infections require prompt professional attention.

What the doctor may do
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•Take x-rays or perform other imaging to establish a correct diagnosis.
•If the toenail is causing problems, it may be removed
•Treat any infection present with antibiotics
•Surgically remove the exostosis
•Completely remove a deformed toenail so it will not grow back.

Other conditions resembling a Subungual Exostosis
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•Other, more serious, bone tumours may resemble an exostosis.
•Evaluation by a trained practitioner is essential •An infected ingrown toenail may resemble an ulceration from an exostosis
•Chronic in-growing nails can cause deformity of the nail plate and/or surrounding soft tissues.