Lumps and bumps on your feet are pretty common, and they can be caused by a number of things — some more serious than others. Because feet are often out of sight, they can be out of mind, and it’s easy to miss changes that might need a doctor’s attention.
While most bumps and lumps on the foot are harmless, early detection is key for some conditions. Foot cancer, while rare, can progress rapidly if left untreated. So, if you have a lump on the side of the foot or anywhere else on your foot, it’s important to get it checked out by a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.
This article will cover some of the more common causes of foot lumps and bumps, including bunions, plantar warts, and cysts, as well as the treatment options available.
Bunions
A bunion might be the cause of that lump on the side of your foot.
What are bunions?
A bunion is a common condition in which the joint at the base of your big toe becomes misaligned, resulting in a visible bump on the side of your foot.
Bunions can be caused by a combination of heredity and environmental factors, such as wearing high heels. They’re also often linked to flat feet and pregnancy.
Treatment Options
If you think you have a bunion, there are several things you can do to find relief.
Conservative treatments
You may want to start by switching to shoes with a wider toe box. You can also try padding the bunion or using arch supports to relieve pressure.
Orthotics are another option that can help improve bunion symptoms.
Surgical interventions
If conservative treatments aren’t providing enough relief, the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City offers surgical treatment options that may be right for you.
Plantar Warts
A lump on the side of your foot could be a plantar wart.
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They often appear as rough, grainy bumps on the soles of the feet, although they can crop up on the sides of your feet, too.
These warts are more common in younger adults than in other age groups.
How are plantar warts treated?
Many people try to treat plantar warts at home with over-the-counter remedies.
Another treatment option is Swift Immune Therapy, which is presented as a highly effective way to get rid of plantar warts. Instead of attacking the wart itself, Swift Immune Therapy focuses on attacking the virus that’s causing the wart.
Ganglion Cysts
A ganglion cyst is a benign, fluid-filled lump that can develop near your joints and tendons. On the foot, they often appear near the ankle.
These cysts are usually harmless, but they can be painful, especially when you put pressure on them. Your doctor can usually diagnose a ganglion cyst by just looking at it and pressing on it.
Many people find relief just by wearing shoes that don’t rub on the cyst. If the pain is severe, your doctor might recommend draining the fluid from the cyst with a needle (aspiration) or surgically removing it.
Haglund’s Deformity (Pump Bump)
Haglund’s deformity, often called “pump bump,” is a bony growth on the back of your heel bone.
It’s often caused by wearing certain kinds of shoes, having high arches, or tight Achilles tendons.
Most people can find relief from Haglund’s deformity with simple fixes like changing their shoes or doing stretches. But some people need surgery if those strategies don’t work.
Plantar Fibromas
Plantar fibromas are noncancerous (benign) growths that develop on the bottom of your foot, usually in the arch. They’re basically clumps of fibrous tissue.
The most common symptom is a lump you can feel when you press on the arch of your foot. These lumps can be painful, especially when you put pressure on them.
Treatments range from orthotics and stretching exercises to surgery in some cases.
Other potential causes of foot lumps and bumps
Not every lump on the side of your foot is a ganglion cyst or a bunion. Here are some other potential causes.
Calluses
Calluses are those hardened layers of skin that develop when your foot experiences friction. Often, they form because the metatarsal bones in your feet are misaligned. You can buy pads and orthotics to cushion your foot and reduce the friction that causes calluses to form.
Lipomas
Lipomas are masses of fatty tissue that are almost always benign. They’re soft, movable lumps just under the skin. Usually, they don’t need any treatment unless they’re causing symptoms or growing quickly.
Morton’s neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a nerve condition that’s often caused by wearing high heels or experiencing repetitive trauma to the foot. With Morton’s neuroma, you may feel pain between your toes that seems to burn or tingle. You may need to wear wider shoes or orthotics, or you may need injections or surgery to treat it.
Bursitis
Bursitis in your foot is caused by inflammation in the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. If you have bursitis, the joint may hurt, swell, and feel stiff. You can treat it by resting, icing, and elevating your foot, along with taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen.
Could it be foot cancer?
Though rare, it’s important to remember that some lumps on the side of your foot could be cancerous. Foot cancer can spread rapidly, so early detection is key.
One major concern is melanoma. While melanoma can appear anywhere, about 3% of melanomas occur on the lower extremities, including the feet.
Keep an eye out for:
- New moles or lesions on your feet
- Moles that change in size, shape, or color
- Sores that don’t heal
To protect yourself, apply sunscreen to your feet. Also, if you see anything suspicious, get it checked out right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get rid of a knot on the side of your foot?
Getting rid of a knot on the side of your foot depends on the cause. For bunionettes, wider shoes and padding can help. Ganglion cysts might resolve on their own, or a doctor can drain them. Bone spurs may require orthotics or, in severe cases, surgery. It’s always best to see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What does a hard lump on the side of your foot mean?
A hard lump on the side of your foot could indicate a few things. It might be a bunionette, a bony growth similar to a bunion but on the little toe side. Or, it could be a bone spur, a ganglion cyst that has hardened, or even a tumor. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause with an examination and possibly imaging tests.
What is a cyst on the outer side of the foot?
A cyst on the outer side of the foot is most likely a ganglion cyst. These fluid-filled sacs are usually benign and often develop near tendons or joints. They can range in size and may be tender to the touch. Sometimes they disappear without treatment, but persistent or painful cysts may require medical intervention.
What is the bubble on the side of my foot?
A “bubble” on the side of your foot could be a few things. It may be a blister caused by friction from shoes. It could also be a ganglion cyst, which feels like a fluid-filled bubble under the skin. Less commonly, it could be a soft tissue tumor. If it’s persistent, painful, or growing, it’s wise to get it checked out by a healthcare professional.
Closing Thoughts
As you’ve seen, many conditions can cause a lump on the side of your foot. Some, like bunions and plantar warts, are more common than others. But whether you’re dealing with a cyst, a growth in your soft tissue, or something else entirely, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis.
A podiatrist can examine your foot, determine what’s causing the lump, and recommend the best course of treatment. They can also help you understand what you can do at home to care for your feet.
Regular self-exams are a great way to stay on top of your foot health. By paying attention to any changes in your feet, you can catch problems early and prevent complications. If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to consult a podiatrist for personalized care and treatment options.