Irregularities in Leg Bones: When to Seek Medical Advice

The bones feel strange?

The entire surface of both calves has an irregular, bumpy texture that feels like the surface of an abacus when touched.
Although it is not visible on the surface, I can feel 3 to 4 hard, immovable, rice-sized lumps that are not painful.
Should I be concerned about this? What could it be? Do I need to get it checked?

Meimei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/07/05

Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics

It may be a lipoma, which is benign and can be monitored; surgery is not necessarily required.

Reply Date: 2003/07/05

More Info

When it comes to irregularities in the leg bones, particularly when you can feel hard, immovable lumps under the skin, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and seek medical advice. The description of your symptoms—specifically, the presence of hard, non-painful nodules that feel like grains of rice—could indicate several potential conditions, some of which may require further evaluation.

First and foremost, the presence of these hard lumps could be indicative of benign bone growths, such as osteochondromas. Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors that typically occur near the growth plates of long bones, including the femur and tibia. They can feel like hard bumps under the skin and are usually painless unless they press on nearby structures or nerves.

Another possibility could be the presence of bone cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the bone. These cysts can sometimes feel firm and may not cause pain unless they become large or lead to bone weakening.

Additionally, the irregularities you are feeling could be related to conditions such as fibromatosis or other soft tissue masses that may not be directly related to the bone but can still present as palpable lumps. In some cases, these lumps could also be related to previous injuries or trauma that may have led to the formation of scar tissue or calcifications.

While the lumps you describe are not currently painful and do not seem to be causing any immediate issues, it is still advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to assess the underlying bone structure and rule out any serious conditions.

In summary, while the presence of hard, non-painful lumps in the leg bones may not seem urgent, it is always better to err on the side of caution. Seeking medical advice will provide you with a clearer understanding of what these irregularities might be and whether any further action is necessary. Early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent potential complications and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed appropriately.

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