Found a Lump on Your Foot? When to See a Podiatrist About Soft Tissue Masses

Have you recently noticed a lump on your ankle, heel, or between your toes? Discovering an unexplained mass on any part of your body can be stressful, but if it’s on your feet, you may worry about how it could affect your walking or daily activities.

The good news is that lumps and bumps on the feet and ankles are very common. Anyone can experience them, but they typically affect adults between 30 and 60 years old, and in most cases are benign (non-cancerous).

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno regularly diagnose and treat soft tissue masses. This blog defines soft tissue masses, highlights some of the most common types, and explains when to see a podiatrist.

Understanding soft tissue masses and tumors

Soft tissue masses and tumors are abnormal bumps that form under your skin in non-bony tissue, such as fat, muscle, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels. These masses can be soft, firm, movable, or fixed depending on the type. They’re typically benign or non-cancerous. However, larger masses can be malignant, so identifying the underlying cause is important.

Common types of soft tissue masses that affect the feet

Several types of soft tissue masses can affect the feet, including:

Ganglion cysts

Ganglion cysts are small, fluid-filled masses that form beneath the skin, often near tendons or joints. They typically appear near the ankles or toes and may cause pain or tingling. Ganglion cysts often start small and may grow over time.

Lipomas

Lipomas are slow-growing, non-cancerous tumors made of fat. They’re typically smaller than five centimeters across and feel soft and squishy to the touch. Most lipomas are painless, but you may experience discomfort if they’re near a nerve or rub against your shoes or socks.

Plantar fibromas

Plantar fibromas are lumps that form within the plantar fascia, a thick ligament that runs across the bottom of your foot. Fibromas are firm to the touch and often cause pain when walking or standing, because they press on surrounding tissue. These masses are typically less than three centimeters, but they can grow larger in some cases. 

Inclusion cysts

Inclusion cysts, also known as sebaceous cysts, are small growths that form beneath the skin, usually on the soles of the feet, heels, or toes. They occur when skin cells get trapped, often due to friction caused by wearing socks and shoes. These cysts are generally benign and may have a yellowish hue. 

When to see a podiatrist about a lump on your foot

Most lumps on the feet, toes, and ankles aren’t cause for concern. You probably don’t need to worry if your growth is small, painless, and doesn’t cause problems when you wear shoes or socks. 

However, if the growth on your foot:

• Grows quickly
• Causes persistent pain
• Occurs alongside numbness, tingling, or burning
• Affects walking, exercising, or other daily activities

It’s important to undergo a professional evaluation. This is especially true if you have a history of cancer or your skin is red or warm to the touch.

After reviewing your health history, asking about your symptoms, and completing an exam and imaging tests, we can determine the type of growth and make custom treatment recommendations.

Most soft tissue masses can be treated using conservative methods, such as routine monitoring, aspiration, medication, or custom orthotics. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary. Even so, most masses can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, resulting in smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time. 

Get treatment for a soft tissue mass today

If you’re worried about a soft tissue mass on your foot or ankle, don’t wait to seek professional help. Contact Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, today to schedule an appointment or book your visit online. We can determine the cause and type, and support your mobility.