Intramuscular hemangioma of the foot: a diagnostic dilemma.

Intramuscular hemangioma is a rare but important cause of pain and potentially decreased performance in athletes. These benign tumors occur more often in the lower extremity and usually present during the first three decades of life. Symptomatic intramuscular hemangiomas usually present with pain and swelling, which often worsen with activity. Diagnosis can be difficult, resulting in frustration and prolonged activity limitations for these patients. Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical findings can often suggest the diagnosis. Recommended treatment is usually wide total excision, but there are certain cases in which excision is not possible. In difficult areas such as the hands or feet, a sclerosing agent can be injected into the hemangioma to reduce the size of the hemangioma, decrease pain, and improve function.