“What’s This Lump on the Bottom of My Foot?”

At Pasco Hernando Foot & Ankle, we recommend all our patients regularly inspect their feet for any changes or unusual symptoms. It’s not uncommon to one day notice a lump on the bottom of your foot that wasn’t there previously. Your first response should be to contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 to make an appointment to see our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales. The foot doctor will examine your foot and the lump, get a medical history and ask questions about recent activities. Below are a few possible explanations.

Plantar Fibroma—this is a benign tumor that develops in the foot's arch. It may manifest as one or multiple lumps or nodules. Although doctors are not sure what causes a fibroma, it doesn't usually shrink or go away on its own. A fibroma may or may not be painful, depending on its size and whether it interferes with your footwear. Conservative treatments include steroid injections to help shrink the mass, custom orthotics, or physical therapy. If the mass continues to grow or is disabling, the podiatrist may recommend surgery.

Callus—a callus is a thickened, hard patch of skin that forms as a response to some pressure or irritation. Depending on their location, calluses can be quite painful and impede your ability to spend extended periods on your feet standing or walking. The source of a callus can be deep within the foot. Never attempt to cut out or shave a callus! It almost always leads to an injury and possibly an infection. The foot doctor will determine what's causing the callus and then prescribe the correct treatment.

Bursitis—bursas are small fluid-filled sacs located near tendons, joints, and bones. Bursas are designed to protect an area from friction, but repetitive motion, pressure, or irritation from your shoes can cause the bursa to become inflamed and swollen, and that's what's known as bursitis. In the foot, bursitis most often occurs in the heel and the base of the toes. As with a callus, you must first find the source of the inflammation and then proceed with a solution to relieve the pain and discomfort.

As with nearly all podiatric problems, the sooner and earlier they are treated, the better the outcome.