A painful lump on bottom of foot under skin can be caused by several factors. A lump on the bottom of your foot is not just a minor inconvenience. It can cause discomfort, and immobility and can affect overall quality of life. It may cause discomfort and pain while walking and standing. The treatment of this condition may vary depending on its underlying cause. In order to address this issue effectively, it is important to understand its root cause or underlying condition.
Therefore, in this blog, we will explore the causes, treatment, and diagnosis of the bump on the bottom of foot. Apart from this, we will also discuss the preventive measures that you can take to avoid this condition in the first place.
What are the causes of the Painful bump on bottom of foot?
A lump on the bottom of the foot can be caused by a number of reasons. Here are a few of the most common reasons for this condition: –
- Limited movement of the big toe joint
When someone’s big toe joint does not move correctly while they walk, they have to apply excessive force to the bottom of their big toe. Due to this, a callus may develop under the big toe that enlarges the bone.
- Plantar Fibromas
These are the nodular masses that can form in the arch of the foot. Plantar fibromas are non-cancerous tumors that form in the plantar fascia – a ligament in the arch of the foot. However, the specific reasons why people get plantar fibromas are still unknown, but risk factors include genetics, tendon damage, or a medication known as Dilantin.
- Uneven Distribution of Body Weight
Due to the misalignment of the long bones behind the toes known as the metatarsal, the weight is not evenly distributed across the ball of the foot when the person walks. Therefore, some areas of the foot handle more pressure than others, which can lead to the formation of calluses to form under the foot.
Usually, people with diabetes are more susceptible to getting bumps caused due to uneven weight distribution. If a diabetic person develops a painful lump on the bottom of the foot under the skin, they should consult the doctor. These lumps can cause ulcers if left untreated. Foot ulceration is one of the most common causes of lower-extremity complications for people with diabetes.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition when people experience a sudden rush of small and itchy blisters on their palms and on the sides of their fingers. This condition can also cause itchy bumps on the foot that are filled with fluid.
The direct cause of this type of eczema is still unknown, but it is usually linked to allergies and stress. It can make skin painful to touch, flakey, and cracked.
- Bursitis
Bursitis refers to an inflammation of the natural cushions between soft tissue and bones. It is caused by the excess friction and injury. Bursitis may cause a lump on the bottom of the foot.
- Plantar Warts
People with HPV – human papillomavirus, may form plantar warts at the bottom of their feet. These are the small and fleshy bumps that may be tender to walk on. However, it usually heals without medical treatment.
- Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity causes a bump on the bottom of the foot and heel. It forms under the Achilles tendon, so it is often confused with Achilles tendonitis. The bump may cause pain and irritation when it rubs against the shoes while walking.
- Synovial Sarcoma
A type of soft-tissue sarcoma – synovial sarcoma, appears as a lump or swelling. It can also affect the bottom of the foot and can cause pain and numbness. It can also spread to other body parts if left untreated.
- Cysts or soft tissue tumors
Cysts are small pockets of tissues filled with substances like fluid or pus. Usually, they occur with no other symptoms. However, these are usually harmless and can develop anywhere in the body, including the bottom of a person’s foot.
Treatment of the Bump On Bottom Of Foot
Treatment of the lump or hard spot on bottom of foot depends on the underlying cause. Here are the treatments for each cause of painful lump on bottom of foot under skin: –
- Treatment for the Uneven Weight Distribution
- In this condition, an orthotic or a molded sole can help treat bumps. It will help remove the pressure from that area of the foot and will eventually help treat the lump on the foot.
- Treatment for limited Movement of the Big Toe Joint
Usually, a healthcare professional suggests functional foot orthosis for someone with limited movement of the big toe joint. The treatment also helps in restoring the pressure under the big toe and can treat the callus.
- Plantar Fibromas Treatment
Foot orthotics can be helpful in relieving pressure from the arch of the foot. It will also help reduce the size of the knot on bottom of foot. If the lump is too large, sometimes it is also removed surgically. Also, it is important to remove most parts of the plantar fascia to ensure that it does not come back.
- Treatment of Dyshidrotic Eczema
A healthcare professional usually prescribes antihistamines or corticosteroids for this condition. It helps reduce stress to treat dyshidrotic eczema.
- Bursitis Treatment
Bursitis can be treated by taking proper rest, or with the help of anti-inflammatory medicines. However, if the condition still does not improve, the doctor can recommend physical therapy and corticosteroids. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the bump on bottom of foot.
- Treatment of cysts
With the help of a sterile needle, a doctor can drain the cysts. However, surgery may be required to treat more severe cases of cysts.
- Treatment of Synovial Sarcoma
A synovial sarcoma is a critical issue that needs medical treatment. It can be removed with surgery or sometimes a person might also need chemotherapy or radiotherapy to help recovery.
- Treatment of Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity can be treated with home remedies like wearing open-back shoes or icing the area to reduce inflammation. If it does not improve, taking anti-inflammatory medications can also help. However, if the home remedies do not help treat the condition, the following treatments are also available: –
- Immobilizing boots
- Ultrasound treatment
- Orthotics
- Heel pads
- Soft tissue massage
- Surgery
- Avoid tight footwear
- Exercise the calf muscles
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for the Lump on Bottom of Foot?
If the bump on your foot is deep in the skin, painful, and swollen, you should get in touch with a doctor immediately. If the bump on bottom of foot hurts to walk and is increasing in size, or causing discomfort, you should speak with a professional. They would evaluate the bump to determine a diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Hard Painful Spot on Bottom of Foot
A diagnosis for the cause of a painful lump on bottom of foot under skin is starts with a physical examination. The healthcare provider will ask you questions like: –
- How long have you noticed the bump?
- Whether it is increasing or decreasing in size?
- If the bump on bottom of foot hurts to walk?
Apart from the questions mentioned above, the healthcare professional may order imaging tests, like: –
- X-rays
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans (MRIs)
- Ultrasound
The doctor may perform a biopsy of the affected area if they think that the bump can be related to a skin condition. In a biopsy, a sample tissue is removed to examine in a lab to test it for the following conditions: –
- An infection
- Eczema
- Sarcoma – a group of cancers that begin in soft tissues and bones
As per the results of the test and diagnosis, the doctor may refer your case to a specialist if you have foot bumps that are swollen and painful or increasing in size to check if they are cancerous.
Prevention from the Lump on Bottom of Foot
Prevention is the best medicine for any disease or health condition. There are several proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing painful bumps on the bottom of your feet. Let’s explore some tips that you can follow to prevent foot lumps and positive lifestyle changes that you can make to improve your overall foot health: –
- Choose Proper Footwear
One of the most critical aspects of preventing foot lumps is wearing the right shoes. You must ensure that your shoes fit well. They should not be too tight and have adequate arch support. Apart from this, you should also consider other factors while choosing your footwear, like arch support, and cushioning, of the shoe.
- Orthotics
Orthotic insoles can be helpful for people with flat feet or other structural issues with the feet. These insoles help distribute the pressure evenly reducing the risk of developing painful lumps on the bottom of your foot.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excessive body weight can increase the strain on your feet. Therefore, you should also maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of this condition.
- Foot Exercises
Foot-strengthening exercises help maintain good foot health. Therefore, you can do simple exercises like toe curls, foot stretches, or picking up small objects with your toes to help maintain the flexibility and strength in your feet. In addition to these, you can also do toe spreading, and Achilles Tendon stretch to maintain good feet health.
Recovery from a Knot on Bottom of Foot
Your recovery from this condition depends on the underlying cause of the bump. Conditions like bursitis and plantar warts of Haglund’s deformity are usually developed and improved from easy-to-change lifestyle factors.
However, more involved underlying causes or conditions might require more serious treatment. Early treatment of the bump on bottom of foot is necessary to avoid any issues in the future.
Conclusion
A painful lump on bottom of foot under skin can occur due to various causes, like calluses, uneven weight distribution, plantar warts, bursitis, plantar fibromas, dyshidrotic eczema, and other conditions discussed above.
Treatment and diagnosis of the hard spot on bottom of foot depends on the underlying cause. Sometimes, it can be treated with a simple change in lifestyle, like wearing supportive or proper-fitting footwear. If the change in lifestyle does not improve the condition, then more involved treatment options are used, like surgery or steroid injections. Therefore, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider about any bumps you observe on the bottom of your foot. Timely detection and treatment of the condition is important to ensure that you do not have a serious medical condition.
