Foot bumps, also known as foot lumps, are boney projections that can occur anywhere on the foot. They come in different shapes and sizes and can be a natural enlargement of a foot bone, or they can be an extra bone. Foot bumps can be asymptomatic, meaning they don’t cause any pain, or they can be symptomatic, leading to discomfort and pain during physical activities or even while standing.
The foot is composed of 26 bones and 33 joints, which are held together by ligaments and tendons. Any slight change in foot anatomy can lead to the development of foot bumps. Foot bumps are usually benign, and only a few cases require medical attention. However, if the foot bumps become painful, they may indicate a serious problem, and it would be wise to seek medical advice from Dr Gilbert Huang DPM.
Here are common causes of foot bumps:
Bunions: A bunion is a boney bump that forms at the base of the big toe. It is a result of the misalignment of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which connects the big toe to the foot. Bunions usually occur due to wearing tight-fitting shoes or inherited foot structure. They can cause pain, swelling, and redness at the base of your big toe and can eventually lead to a change in the foot’s shape.
Tailor’s Bunion: Also known as bunionette, tailor’s bunion is a boney bump that forms at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. It is mostly caused by tight-fitting shoes and is common in people who stand for long hours. Tailor’s bunion can cause pain and restricted movement of your little toe.
Accessory Navicular Syndrome: This foot condition occurs when an extra bone grows in the foot, situated near the navicular bone inside your foot arch. The additional bone formation can cause pain and discomfort on top of the foot or inside the arch. Accessory navicular syndrome can result in tendonitis, arthritis, and flat feet.
Haglund’s Deformity: This foot condition manifests as a boney bump on the back of your calcaneus bone (heel bone). It is mostly caused by wearing high-heeled shoes that put too much pressure on the back of the heel. The boney bumps can result in pain, swelling, and formation of blisters at the back of your heel.
It’s important to note that not all foot bumps require treatment. For asymptomatic foot bumps, you can use shoe inserts, wear shoes that offer ample space for your foot, and even ice the affected area to relieve swelling. However, if you experience pain or discomfort, make sure to visit Dr Gilbert Huang DPM for proper diagnosis and treatment. The doctor may conduct a physical examination, run imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to determine the cause of the foot bump.
Conservative treatments for painful foot bumps include:
* Wearing supportive shoes with ample space.
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
* Orthotics or shoe inserts to relieve pressure and pain.
* Physical therapy to reduce pain and restore muscle strength.
Surgical treatment may be required for severe foot bumps that are unresponsive to conservative treatments. The surgical intervention may involve removing a portion of the affected bone or realigning the foot to reduce pressure around the bump. Foot surgery is usually a last resort, and Dr Gilbert Huang DPM will only recommend it when necessary.
In conclusion, foot bumps are a common foot problem that can occur due to natural bone growth, inherited foot structure, or wearing tight-fitting shoes. While some foot bumps are asymptomatic and don’t require medical attention, painful foot bumps may be an indication of a serious problem. If you’re experiencing foot bump pain, make sure to visit Dr Gilbert Huang DPM for proper diagnosis and treatment.