Foot Lumps And Bumps: 3 Things You Need To Know

The foot is one of the most hard-working body parts, so it’s prone to wear and tear from holding the entire bulk of your body weight, especially if you spend most of the day standing or walking. As a result, many individuals eventually develop foot lumps and bumps, especially as they age. Knowing what these are and their root causes is crucial if you notice one developing, especially if it already disrupts your daily routine.

Here are some insights you need to know about foot lumps and bumps:

Common Types Of Foot Lumps And Bumps  

Various types of lumps and bumps can form on the feet, each having specific causes and management options. Here are some of the common types to keep in mind. 

• Ganglion Cyst  

A lump on the top of the foot or the front area of the ankle area may be a ganglion cyst. Generally, it doesn’t trigger any discomfort but can be unattractive. However, due to the firmness of the cyst, it may bring about uncomfortable pressure at some point.  

Managing a ganglion cyst involves needle aspiration to draw out the fluid within the cyst to minimize the pressure. However, recurrence is likely to happen after the procedure. Surgery may be an option to eliminate the cyst. If you want a head start in managing a ganglion cyst, consider checking out Teton Foot and Ankle and other similar providers.  

• Morton’s Neuroma  

It’s a benign growth that develops among individuals diagnosed with diabetes or nerve conditions. Generally, one is likely to develop beneath the connecting point of the third and fourth toes. The doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery if the neuroma grows overly large or painful. 

•  Bunion 

A bunion is a deformity in which a bony protrusion forms at the base of the big toe joint. It’s likely to develop among individuals who frequently wear ill-fitting shoes. It’s crucial to wear comfortable shoes as part of proper foot care to lower the risk of this foot condition.  

The prolonged pressure from wearing ill-fitting shoes compresses the big toe and drives it toward the second toe. Over time, it becomes unbearable as the excess bone develops where the base of the big toe encounters the foot. A painful bunion will require surgery. 

• Plantar Wart

A plantar wart is a benign type of epithelial growth induced by the HPV virus. In most cases, it causes a sore lump on the base of the foot, usually similar to the skin’s color, with tiny black dots on the surface. Like other types of lumps or bumps, the doctor will suggest surgery if they grow large or cause discomfort. 

•  Synovial Cyst  

A synovial cyst is a fluid-filled sac more likely to develop among individuals with arthritis. It typically begins over a tendon or joint on top of the foot. Generally, it’s initially soft but becomes firmer in the long run. In some cases, a large or unbearable cyst may undergo aspiration or draining of the fluid or even surgery.  

•  Plantar Fibroma  

If you notice a hard bump on the base of the foot, it may be plantar fibroma. It’s a benign growth that typically develops among middle-aged adults.

Plantar fibromas are small, solid, fibrous nodules forming in the plantar fascia, the dense ligament beneath the foot arch. They’re usually painless, but sufferers most often experience a sensation of a stone in their shoe while walking. 

A small-sized plantar fibroma that doesn’t cause any symptoms will not require treatment. However, if the growth becomes alarming, the treatment may involve corticosteroid injections, orthotics, or physical therapy. Surgery may be the last resort for severe cases. 

•  Lipoma  

A lipoma is a benign, slow-growing mass that usually develops on the bottom of the foot. The growth mostly comprises fatty tissue.

Like a fibroma, a lipoma won’t require treatment if it doesn’t cause any issues. However, if one grows large enough, it impinges on neighboring tendons, ligaments, or nerves. In such cases, the doctor may decide to have it removed surgically.  

•  Bone Spurs  

A solid bump that forms on the base of the foot or around the heel may be due to a bone spur. It can be caused by abnormal bone growth, usually as a response to stress or constant friction on one of the foot bones.  

Home Care Of Foot Lumps And Bumps  

Here are ways to ease the discomfort of foot lumps or bumps at home:

• Soak your feet in warm water twice a day for up to 20 minutes. 
• Apply an ice pack on your feet for 15 minutes, up to three times a day.
• Wear comfortable shoes with the proper fit during daily activities and avoid walking barefoot.
• Take the right dosage of over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Apply lotion or cream to soothe your feet. 
• Elevate your feet when sitting down.
• Stretch and massage your feet daily.

As you can see, these home remedies will be beneficial in managing foot lumps and bumps. However, it’s best to see a doctor for proper treatment.

Treatment Of Foot Lumps And Bumps  

Managing a foot lump or bump largely depends on the underlying or root cause. Generally, it may involve a combination of medical interventions and home remedies.  

In most cases, the treatment may involve a combination of the following: 

• Pain control. The doctor may recommend pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs for foot lumps or bumps that trigger intense aches or discomfort. 
• Orthotics. These custom-made inserts for your shoes improve foot position while also taking pressure off the foot lump. 
• Stretching exercises. Performing exercises that stretch the foot muscles will greatly help minimize soft-tissue tension, often associated with foot bumps or lumps.  
• Footwear adjustments. Some root causes of foot lumps or bumps often include wearing ill-fitting or restrictive footwear. Make changes by switching to flat, spacious shoes with well-cushioned soles.  
• Injections. A doctor may recommend steroid injections to lessen the pain and inflammation. 
• Surgery. Lumps that trigger discomfort, grow excessively large, or disrupt daily activities may require surgical removal. In most cases, it may involve draining fluid, removing excess bone, or correcting the foot position. 

You must see a doctor for proper assessment and treatment if you have unusual foot growth. Surgery is usually the last option if a bump or lump is excessively large or painful, disrupting your daily routine or work.  

Final Thoughts

Foot lumps and bumps are common concerns for many individuals but can bring about discomfort at some point. If you’re experiencing either of these conditions and it disrupts your daily routine, it’s crucial to see a doctor for proper treatment.  

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Dr. Amanda

Amanda is a certified nutritionist and fitness yoga trainer, and writer in the areas of health, fitness and nutrition.

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