Athlete's nodules. Treatment by surgical excision

Abstract

Athlete's nodules are connective tissue nevi of the collagen type (collagenomas) which appear as thick dermal masses at sites of chronic trauma. They have been described as occurring on the dorsum of the feet, knees, and knuckles of surfers, boxers and marble players. Recurrent minor blunt trauma and pressure are aetiological factors in this condition. We report a 54-year-old man with dermal nodules on the dorsal surface of his feet. These lesions initially appeared during his participation as a player on a high school football team. They were attributed to the chronic pressure of his high-laced athletic sneakers and frequent minor injuries to the involved areas. We describe the successful treatment of our patient's lesions by surgical excision. We also discuss the differential diagnosis and other therapeutic options for athlete's nodules.