Summary
Runners who average more than 30 miles per week occasionally develop a mass on the tibialis anterior tendon sheath that may be mistaken for a tumor.
Complete Information on this Tumor
Runners who average more than 30 miles per week occasionally develop a mass on the tibialis anterior tendon sheath that may be mistaken for a tumor. On examination, a soft, mobile lesion surrounds the tibialis anterior tendon at the level where the tendon makes impinges on the shoelaces or the tongue of the shoe. The tendon itself retains normal caliber and function. In some cases the lesion can be partially eliminated by compressive massage, but recurs promptly.
The mass typically presents after a minor change in the training program or an insignificant injury. The lesion increases in size with running and activities and decreases in size with rest and elevation. Pain is usually mild enough to allow continuation of the running program, which in turn leads to the persistence of the lesion.