What’s That Bump on My Foot? Common Causes of Lumps and Bumps

You’re tying your shoes, and there it is again—a weird little lump on the side of your foot. Maybe it’s tender. Maybe it’s been there forever. Or maybe it showed up overnight and you’ve been Googling "foot tumor" ever since (don’t worry, we’ve all been there).

Here at the Center for Ankle and Foot Care in Clermont and Leesburg, we see foot bumps of all kinds. Some are totally harmless, while others deserve a closer look. So, let’s break it down in plain language: What’s that bump, and should you be concerned?

1. Bunion (Hallux Valgus)

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe. Over time, it can push the toe inward, creating that familiar sideways tilt.

Symptoms:

• Redness or swelling

• Pain while walking

• Trouble fitting into shoes

Good to know: Bunions often run in families and can be made worse by tight shoes. If caught early, treatments like custom foot orthotics can slow the progression and reduce pain.

2. Ganglion Cyst

These jelly-like lumps often pop up on the top of the foot or near the ankle joint. They’re usually harmless but can get in the way—literally.

Symptoms:

• Round, soft bump

• May fluctuate in size

• Occasionally painful, especially with shoe pressure

Treatment tip: If it’s painful or growing, we can help drain or remove it safely. Otherwise, it may go away on its own.

3. Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a firm lump that forms in the arch of your foot, often embedded within the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot).

Symptoms:

• Firm, immovable bump

• Pain when walking barefoot

• Commonly mistaken for a callus

Treatment options: We’ve seen great results with Class IV Laser Therapy or SoftWave Therapy—non-surgical treatments that reduce pain and shrink the fibroma over time.

4. Bone Spur

Bone spurs are bony overgrowths that can develop due to pressure, arthritis, or trauma. They often appear in the heel or toe joints.

Symptoms:

• Hard, painful bump

• Increased pain with movement

• May coincide with other issues like plantar fasciitis

Fun fact (or not-so-fun): Spurs often go unnoticed until they start irritating surrounding tissues.

5. Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette)

Similar to a bunion, but it’s on the outside of your foot near the pinky toe. Often caused by pressure and narrow shoes.

Symptoms:

• Red or swollen bump on the outer foot

• Pain when wearing tight shoes

• Callus formation

Podiatrist tip: Don’t ignore the “little” toe! We can help with shoe modifications, orthotics, or even minimal surgery if needed.

6. Inclusion Cyst or Foreign Body Reaction

Ever step on something sharp and forget about it? Sometimes a retained splinter or glass can lead to a small lump, known as an inclusion cyst.

Symptoms:

• Tender bump

• History of minor injury

• May have redness or drainage

What to do: We’ll examine and remove the irritant to stop inflammation and prevent infection.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

It’s time to give us a call if:

• The bump is painful, growing, or changing color

• You’re limping or avoiding activities

• Over-the-counter solutions haven’t worked

• You’re just tired of guessing!

We know foot bumps can be mysterious—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Center for Ankle and Foot Care, we’ll assess it, explain it in plain English, and guide you toward the best treatment.

Let’s Get to the Bottom of That Bump

Don’t let discomfort slow you down—or let a small lump turn into a bigger problem. Our podiatrists in Clermont and Leesburg specialize in evaluating and treating all kinds of foot and ankle conditions.

Book an appointment today and take the first step toward answers (and relief).