Have you recently discovered a lump or bump on your foot, and are wondering what it could be? Lumps and bumps on the feet can be a serious or a non-serious condition. It’s important to have any lump or bump examined by a podiatrist so that any suspicion of cancer can be eliminated. Bumps can vary in size and location (from the toes all the way to the ankle). You may or may not experience pain or changes in daily activity. Below you will find a few different common types of lumps/bumps found on the feet and ankles.
Ganglion cysts
A soft, fluid-filled benign (noncancerous) sac found on the tendons and joints. These cysts can be caused by leakage of fluid from the capsule surrounding a joint or tendon. Locations include the top of the foot, near the ankle joint or on the side of the foot. Ganglion cysts do not go away on their own and often return even after drainage. Nonsurgical treatment options include monitoring, shoe modifications, and aspiration followed by an injection.
Plantar fibromas
A fibrous knot in the arch of the foot embedded in the plantar fascia (band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot). A plantar fibroma can occur on one or both feet (noncancerous). Fibromas are often not painful. Pain is usually caused by a shoe pushing against the fibroma. Fibromas do not go away without treatment. If there is pain with a fibroma, nonsurgical treatment options include custom orthotics and steroid injections.
Haglund’s Deformity
A bony enlargement on the back of the heel, often caused by inherited foot structures such as high arches, tight Achilles tendon and a tendency to walk on the outside of the heel. Haglund’s Deformity is often referred to as “pump bump” because the rigid backs of pumps can create pressure that aggravates the bony enlargement while walking. Avoid wearing any shoe that has a rigid back (men’s dress shoes, ice skates and heels). Haglund’s Deformity symptoms include a noticeable bump on the back of the heel, pain, swelling, and redness. Nonsurgical treatment is targeted towards reducing inflammation of the bursa and could include oral medication, stretching exercises, heel lifts/pads, shoe modification, physical therapy, and custom orthotic devices.
We can help
Lumps and bumps on the foot tend to not go away on their own. If you have a mysterious lump or bump on your foot, let us put your mind to ease. Please call us today at 317-573-4250 so that we can figure out the best treatment plan for you.