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Our feet can develop a wide range of lumps, bumps, and nodules, often causing confusion about what they are and why they appear. If you’ve noticed something unusual on your foot, you’re likely wondering about its cause and the best way to manage it.

To help, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the most common foot bumps and protrusions, along with treatment options for each. As foot care specialists, we take these matters seriously, so let鈥檚 dive into understanding these conditions and the best treatments for them.

What is a Callus, how can they be prevented and treated?

Calluses form due to friction against the skin, often caused by shoes that don鈥檛 fit properly. They can also develop if the metatarsal bones (the long bones in the foot) are misaligned, which results in uneven weight distribution when walking.

To prevent calluses, first, make sure you are routinely using good quality socks. If socks are too thin, they won鈥檛 provide effective protection against rubbing of the feet against the shoe. Other tools that can be used include over-the-counter pads and/or orthotics to reduce friction.

If these remedies aren鈥檛 effective, a visit to a podiatrist may be needed to manage the condition. In some cases, a podiatrist will shave down the thickened skin with a scalpel along with prescribing either over-the-counter inserts or custom orthotics, depending on the severity and predicted reoccurrence.

What is Accessory Navicular Syndrome?

An accessory navicular is an extra (not part of the standard skeleton of the foot) bone or cartilage that can form on the inner side of the foot, just above the arch. This congenital condition often doesn’t cause problems but can occasionally lead to pain if it interferes with the posterior tibial tendon, due to it鈥檚 location.

Symptoms of Accessory Navicular Syndrome include:

• A visible bony bump on the inner foot
• Pain or throbbing, especially after physical activity
• Redness or swelling where the bump rubs against footwear

Treatment Options for Accessory Navicular Syndrome:

Your Podiatrist will have all the tools at their disposal for treating your exact symptoms. Options include ice and anti-inflammatory medications for starters, and may include physical therapy (to enlarge and therefore strengthen the muscles areound the navicular which in turn helps to reduce inflammation), and possibly custom orthotics. Surgery is always a last resort, and is available through your podiatrist if deemed necessary.

What are Bunions?

Bunions are a common foot issue, characterized by a bony protrusion at the base of the big toe joint (or alternatively at the base of the fifth toe). They develop when the big toe joint misaligns at the connection point to the metatarsal bone (the long bones in the foot), leading to inflammation and pain. When a bunion forms on the base of the little toe, 聽it is known as a bunionette or Tailor鈥檚 bunion.

Why do some people develop bunions while others don鈥檛?

Bunions are often hereditary but can also result from structural issues like flat feet or a misaligned first metatarsal. Other contributing factors include uneven gait and pregnancy (which softens foot ligaments). Wearing high-heeled shoes routinely, which force the weight-bearing to the front of the foot, putting excess strain on toe joints can also contribute. These shoes also often have a pointed toe-box, pushing the 1^st and 5^th toe in and creating an abnormal position. Structural abnormalities may also contribute to occurance of bunions, including but not limited to:

• Missing bones
• Flattened arches
• Short first metatarsal
• Uneven leg length

How are bunions treated?

Treatment generally starts with wearing roomier shoes, adding padding, or using arch supports. If these don鈥檛 help, surgery might be necessary. Your podiatrist can make recommendations about when surgery is an appropriate option and what type of bunion surgery would be best for you (there are many types of bunion correction surgical options, and not all options are right for every bunion!).

What Are Plantar Fibromas?

Plantar fibromas are benign growths of fibrous tissue in the arch of the foot. These lumps tend to cause discomfort or even pain, especially as they grow. Though the exact cause is unknown, genetics may play a role, and repetitive foot trauma can contribute to their development. There seem to be some groups of people who are more commonly affected (those of Northern European descent for example) and those who are rarely affected (such as those of Asian ancestry).

How are Plantar Fibromas Treated?

Treating plantar fibromas depends on their size and symptoms. Smaller fibromas often don鈥檛 need treatment, but larger, symptomatic ones can be managed with corticosteroid injections, custom orthotics, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. The best course of treatment will be determined through a thorough evaluation and conversation with your podiatrist.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a slow-growing, benign mass of fatty tissue that typically forms on the bottom of the foot. Though lipomas are usually harmless, they can sometimes grow large enough to press on nearby nerves or tissues, causing discomfort and pain.

Treatment of Lipomas:

Treatment is typically only needed if the lipoma causes pain, in which case the lipoma can be removed surgically.

What is Morton鈥檚 Neuroma?

Morton鈥檚 neuroma is a lump of scar tissue that forms around a nerve, often below the junction of the third and fourth toes. Repetitive stress or pressure on the foot is the main cause of Morton鈥檚 Neuroma, and it is more common in women than men and often linked to those who wear high heels.

What are the symptoms of Morton鈥檚 Neuroma?

The primary symptom is a sensation of standing on a pebble, along with burning pain in the ball of the foot that can spread to the toes. Wearing more comfortable shoes and reducing stress on the feet by altering repetitive activities can help, but a podiatrist may recommend further treatments if symptoms persist.

What are Plantar Warts and How Are They Treated?

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), often entering the foot through cuts or areas of thin skin. These warts are typically rough and can be painful, especially during walking or running.

Most plantar warts resolve on their own, but if they cause persistent pain, bleeding, or changes in color or appearance, it鈥檚 time to schedule an apointment with a podiatrist who may recommend treatment with one of a variety of options such as cryotherapy, salicylic acid application, or laser therapy. If you are immunocompromised, or have Type II Diabetes, be sure to schedule with your podiatrist as soon as you notice a wart.

What is Bursitis in the Feet and How Is It Treated?

Bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that surround and cushion the joints become inflamed due to repeated stress or injury. In the feet, bursitis often affects the big toe, the side of the foot, or the heel.

To treat bursitis, first reduce or better yet eliminate the repetitious trauma that is causing the irritaion to the bursae. Additionally, rest, ice, and elevation of the foot, along with anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprfen) can reduce the pain. If symptoms are not releved by these options, your podiatrist may also treat with corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or, in rare cases, surgery.

What is Haglund鈥檚 Deformity?

Haglund鈥檚 deformity involves a bony bump on the back of the heel, near the Achilles tendon. It can cause pain and rubbing against footwear, mimicking the symptoms of Achilles tendinitis, and resulting in both internal and external abrasions.

How is Haglund鈥檚 Deformity Treated?

Initial treatment includes wearing open-back shoes, using anti-inflammatory medications (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), and applying ice to reduce swelling. If these measures don鈥檛 provide relief, further options like custom orthotics, to accommodate the deformity, a medical boot, or even surgical removal of the excess bone may be considered.

What Are Cysts in the Foot?

Cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that can form in the soft tissues surrounding a joint or tendon in the foot. The two most common types are synovial and ganglion cysts, which are both benign. While many cysts cause no symptoms, some can press on nerves or tendons, causing pain.

How are cysts on the feet treated?

Persistent cysts may need to be drained using a syringe (aspiration), following ultrasound location and local anesthesia. If they recur or cause ongoing issues, surgery may be required to permanently remove them.

What Is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition that causes small, itchy bumps filled with liquid on the soles of the feet. While the cause is not fully known, it may be triggered by stress or allergies. Treatment typically involves corticosteroid creams or antihistamines, along with stress management.

If you’re dealing with bothersome lumps or bumps on your feet, it’s best to seek advice from a podiatrist. Early intervention can help manage the condition and avoid complications. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate foot health with the latest treatment options.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, reach out to your local foot and ankle specialist.