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 non-serious condition. It’s important to have any lump or bump examined by a podiatrist so 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 your daily activity. Here, we discuss a few common types of lumps/bumps found on the feet and ankles.
Ganglion Cysts
A ganglion cyst is 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 plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot embedded in the plantar fascia (a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot). This knot can occur on one or both feet (noncancerous). Fibromas are often not painful; however, a patient may experience pain caused by a shoe pushing against the fibroma. If there is pain with a fibroma, nonsurgical treatment options include custom orthotics and steroid injections. Fibromas do not go away without treatment.
Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s Deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel, often caused by inherited foot structures such as high arches, a tight Achilles tendon, and a tendency to walk on the outside of the heel. Haglund’s Deformity is often referred to as a “pump bump” because the rigid backs of pumps can create pressure that aggravates the bony enlargement while walking. Avoid 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 toward reducing inflammation of the bursa and could include oral medication, stretching exercises, heel lifts/pads, shoe modification, physical therapy, and custom orthotic devices.