Athlete's nodule

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Sports Medicine
• Podiatry

Background:

• Athlete's nodule is an acquired cutaneous lesion resulting from chronic mechanical stimuli associated with sports.
• This condition typically presents on the feet and lower extremities, areas subjected to repetitive stress during athletic activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report three cases of athlete's nodule on the feet.
• To describe the clinical presentation and histopathological findings of athlete's nodule.
• To emphasize the utility of the term 'athlete's nodule' for lesions induced by athletics.

Main Methods:

• Case series reporting three individuals with athlete's nodule.
• Clinical examination of lesions on the feet and lateral malleoli.
• Histopathological analysis of biopsy specimens.

Main Results:

• Three male athletes (football, karate/track-and-field, skiing) presented with nodules on their feet and/or lateral malleoli.
• Histopathology demonstrated hyperkeratosis, acanthosis of the epidermis, and dermal thickening.
• Lesions had durations ranging from 1 to 10 years.

Conclusions:

• Athlete's nodule is a distinct entity caused by chronic stimuli from sports.
• The histopathological findings support the diagnosis of acquired lesions due to mechanical stress.
• The term 'athlete's nodule' is proposed as a useful descriptor for these athletic-induced lesions, even in regions where it is not yet established.