Bump on Side of Foot: 5 Causes and Treatments

Bumps on the side of the feet may be caused by various issues. Some common sources include bunions – bony protrusions on either side of the big toe that often arise due to improperly fitting shoes – or tailor’s bunions, similar in form but found on small toes instead.

Injuries

Damage to bone or soft tissues often results in inflammation and swelling that creates a bump on its surface.

This could be caused by fluid gathering around nerves or abnormal pressure over joints (i.e. a bone spur).

An X-ray or an MRI may help assess and identify the type of injury, while also offering recommendations for its treatment.

Bunions (also referred to as Tailor’s bunions) can cause bumps along the sides or big toe of feet and big toes and may be present when there is an imbalance of pressure placed on feet over extended periods.

They often develop due to too-tight shoes or genetically predisposed foot structures; over-the-counter pain relievers and properly fitting shoes may help manage symptoms effectively.

An internal lump on the foot or heel could be caused by plantar fibroma, accessory navicular syndrome, or posterior tibial tendonitis and can result in swelling, tenderness, and pain when walking or standing for extended periods and can needlessly increase your discomfort levels when doing either activity.

Any growths or bumps should be checked by a physician immediately as any can be cancerous requiring surgical removal; non-cancerous bumps that don’t meet this criteria can often be managed effectively with RICE treatments combined with medication as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan for effective management of symptoms caused by non-cancerous bumps.

Bursitis

Bursae are small sacs filled with fluid that act as cushions between joints such as the kneecap, heel, or elbow – when these joints rub against improper footwear or spend too long in an uncomfortable position they can become inflamed and cause swelling on your foot or other parts.

Over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs may help, as can anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections to alleviate pain and decrease inflammation.

Bursitis isn’t usually life-threatening, but it can make life harder when walking comfortably or moving around.

A bump on the side of your foot caused by this condition may also become painful when under pressure from being put there.

Your doctor can diagnose bursitis by conducting an exam of both feet and asking about your symptoms; imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to see the lump and rule out other causes; infected areas may require aspirating out fluid with a needle and testing it for bacteria growth.

Most cases of bursitis can be addressed with changes to footwear, inserts for shoes, and breaks to rest the affected foot.

Your doctor can recommend exercises or physical therapy sessions designed to strengthen joints and stop them from rubbing together; alternatively, he or she may recommend surgery to remove the bursae.

Cysts

On occasion, bumps on the side of a foot may be caused by cysts. Cysts are pockets of fluid that range in size from that of a pea to that of a golf ball; they form when fatty tissue accumulates under pressure in areas of pressure under the skin, usually soft rubbery in texture with no cancerous qualities that may need draining by doctors to relieve pain or swelling.

They are most frequently seen around the ankle area but can also appear elsewhere such as the top or arch of the foot. The foot has 28 bones, 14 of which are located in its toes.

Over time, constant friction from shoes or activity may cause repeated rubbing or friction to create thickened patches of skin called callus or corns that become painful if overly thick or prominent.

As soon as you notice any unusual lump or bump on the side of your foot, it is vital to visit a physician immediately to make sure it does not indicate an underlying medical issue and receive appropriate treatments to alleviate its symptoms.

This is particularly essential if the bump becomes painful or increases over time – healthcare providers will advise the best path forward so you can live pain-free!

Cancer

Never would have imagined there are 28 bones in your foot! Each toe has two joints with separate bones connecting the joints together.

Over time, some people may develop something called an accessory bone which forms where two other bones meet and may cause pain; it only accounts for 15-25% of tumors found in feet.

Ganglion cysts, fluid-filled bumps that form on tendons, may also occur and must be drained or surgically removed to ensure no recurrence and pain relief.

They should never be left alone because this can result in cancerous growths forming on tendons over time.

Although not cancerous, ganglion cysts should be regularly drained to reduce pain relief and ensure future prevention.

Bunions are another cause of lumps on the sides of feet, typically seen when wearing shoes that squeeze together your toes too tightly or as an autoimmune condition like Rheumatoid Arthritis progresses.

No matter the cause of a lump on the side of your foot, it is vitally important to see a podiatrist as soon as any new bumps arise – some could potentially be cancerous so it is best to be safe than sorry!