Foot Side Bump Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is a Foot Side Bump?

A foot side bump refers to a growth or lesion that occurs on the side of the foot. There are various potential causes of bumps on the sides of the feet. Some are harmless annoyances, while others can be quite serious. Common causes of side foot bumps include:

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are bony projections that develop along bone edges. They often occur on the sides of the feet. Bone spurs form as the body tries to repair itself by building extra bone. They can develop due to:

• Arthritis
• Injuries
• Aging
• Repeated stress on the feet

Bone spurs on the feet are usually noticeable as hard lumps or bumps along the bones. They may or may not cause pain. Treatment options include rest, ice, orthotics, physical therapy, medications, steroid injections, and surgery in severe cases.

Bunions

Bunions are bony bumps that develop on the joint at the base of the big toe. They form when the big toe drifts toward the smaller toes, causing the joint to stick out. Bunions tend to run in families and worsen over time.

The enlarged joint rubs against shoes, resulting in irritation and painful inflammation. Bunions can occur on one or both feet. Treatment depends on the severity, including bunion pads, orthotics, medications, steroid injections, and surgery for advanced cases.

Gout

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This often occurs in the big toe, but can also happen along the sides of the feet. Gout flare-ups cause intense pain, warmth, swelling, and redness in the affected joints.

Gout usually impacts men over 30 who are overweight. Flare-ups can last days to weeks. Treatments focus on pain relief and reducing uric acid levels through medications, diet changes, and drinking more fluids.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation of the joints. It can affect the feet, especially the forefeet and toes. RA on the feet may cause bumps, swelling, pain, and redness.

Early, aggressive treatment is key to prevent irreversible joint damage. Treatment options include medications like DMARDs and biologics, occupational therapy, custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and surgery.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that form near joints and tendons, often on the top or sides of the feet. The exact cause is unknown, but they arise from leakage of fluid from the joints or tendon sheaths.

Ganglion cysts range from pea-sized to over an inch. They are usually painless, soft, and movable under the skin. Sometimes they disappear on their own. Other treatments include draining the fluid, steroid injections, and surgical removal as a last resort.

Neuromas

A neuroma is an enlarged, benign growth of nerve tissue that develops between the toes, usually between the third and fourth toes. It forms due to compression or irritation of the nerve.

Neuromas cause thick, burning pain in the ball of the foot that radiates to the toes. Treatment options range from padding, orthotics, and steroid injections to surgical removal for severe cases.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a deformity where the toe is permanently bent in a curled position. It typically occurs in the second toe, causing it to rub against the top of the shoe.

Over time, this pressure on the toe joint causes a painful callus or corn to develop on the side of the foot. Treatments for hammertoe include wearing proper shoes, padding, taping, splints, and surgery.

Calluses and Corns

Calluses and corns are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop in response to friction, pressure, or rubbing. They often occur on the sides of the feet.

Calluses are usually painless and appear grayish. Corns have a hard center core with tender skin around them. Frequent trimming, cushioning, and avoiding pressure on calluses and corns provide relief.

Foot Warts

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by viral infection. Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet, while common and mosaic warts can infect the sides of the feet.

Warts on the feet are contagious. They may appear as hard bumps or growths with small black dots. Treatments include salicylic acid, freezing, laser therapy, and surgical removal for resistant warts.

Skin Cyst

Skin cysts are abnormal sacs filled with fluid, air, or other material. They form within the skin. Cysts often occur on pressure points like the sides and heels of the feet.

They can range from pea-sized to over an inch. Skin cysts may or may not be painful. Treatment options include observation, aspiration, steroid injection, or surgical removal of problematic cysts.

What Causes Bumps on the Side of the Foot?

There are a variety of possible causes of bumps along the sides of the feet:

Bone irregularities

Bony growths like bone spurs and bunions result from excessive bone formation. This often occurs due to arthritis, aging, mechanical stress, injuries, or poor foot structure.

Gout

Gout arises from uric acid buildup in the joints, leading to painful inflammation. The feet are commonly affected, including the sides of the feet.

Autoimmune diseases

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cause the immune system to attack joint tissues. This progresses to painful inflammation, swelling, and bunions or bumps on the feet.

Neuromas or cysts

Abnormal tissue growths like neuromas and cysts arise from compression or irritation of nerves, joints, and tendon sheaths. The exact cause is often unknown.

Foot deformities

Issues like hammertoe result from muscle imbalance and tendon abnormalities. This causes toe joints to become misaligned, leading to painful calluses and corns on the side of the foot.

Skin lesions

Skin lesions like warts, calluses, and corns occur due to excessive pressure, friction, or viral infection. The sides of the feet are prone as they rub against shoes.

Injuries and overuse

Repetitive stress to the feet from high impact activities can trigger overuse injuries. Sports like running place force on the feet contributing to lesions and bone spurs.

Types of Foot Side Bumps

There are a variety of different types of bumps that can develop along the sides of the feet. Some common types include:

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs appear as bony knobs or lumps protruding from the bone. They form as the body tries to repair itself by producing extra bone tissue.

Bunions

Bunions are painful, swollen bumps caused by enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. The joint protrudes outward.

Gout

Gout causes a hot, red, swollen joint due to uric acid crystal buildup. The bump may be tender, warm, and red.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe leads to a bent middle toe joint rubbing against shoes. This creates a painful callus or corn on the side of the foot.

Neuromas

Neuromas are enlarged, benign nerve tissue growths between toes, usually stemming from irritation.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps protruding from tendons or joint capsules, ranging from pea-sized to over an inch.

Skin Cyst

Skin cysts are noncancerous bumps or growths within the skin, filled with liquid or other material.

Warts

Warts appear as rough, hard bumps on the surface of the skin, caused by viral infection.

Calluses and corns

Calluses and corns are thickened, hard areas of skin that develop due to friction and pressure.

Symptoms Associated with Side Foot Bumps

Symptoms that may occur with bumps on the side of the foot include:

• Visible bump, lump, or lesion on the side of the foot
• Pain, tenderness, or a burning sensation around the bump
• Redness and inflammation around the affected area
• Stiffness, reduced range of motion, and difficulty walking
• Swelling of the foot at or near the bump
• Numbness or tingling radiating from the bump
• Hard, thickened skin or callus near the bump
• Bunions may gradually worsen, increasing in size and prominence

Symptoms can range from mild irritation to debilitating pain depending on the underlying cause. Pay attention to any new bumps or changes in existing bumps on your feet. See a podiatrist promptly if you experience severe or progressive symptoms.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing bumps along the sides of the feet, including:

• Bunions or bone deformities in the feet
• Family history of foot disorders like bunions
• Arthritis conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout which raises uric acid levels in the body
• jobs that involve a lot of standing, walking, or repetitive impact on the feet
• High arches or flat feet contributing to poor foot mechanics
• Wearing tight, narrow shoes or high heels that crowd the feet
• Obesity which places more weight and pressure on the feet
• Advancing age which increases arthritis risk
• Diabetes resulting in nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet

You can reduce your risk by wearing properly fitted, supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, managing medical conditions, avoiding repetitive foot stress, and getting prompt care for foot problems.

Complications

Potential complications that can result from untreated bumps on the side of the foot include:

• Increasing pain making walking difficult
• Progression of bunions leading to severe deformity
• Ulcers or open sores developing from excessive rubbing and pressure
• Infections entering through ulcerated areas on the foot
• Permanent big toe joint damage from advanced bunions
• Toe drifting and altered foot mechanics
• Hammertoes forming in other toes due to imbalance
• Gait impairments from foot pain and reduced mobility
• Irreversible arthritis and joint destruction
• Need for surgery if conservative treatments fail

To prevent complications, have your podiatrist evaluate any persistent foot bumps. Early treatment can often stop progression and avoid long-term problems.

Diagnosing Bumps on the Side of the Foot

To properly diagnose the cause of bumps on the side of the foot, the podiatrist will:

• Review medical history and ask about symptoms
• Examine the foot to locate bumps and areas of pain/irritation
• Evaluate foot structure, range of motion, and gait
• Order x-rays or other imaging tests to visualize the foot bones and joints
• Order blood work to help diagnose conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis
• Perform additional tests like joint fluid analysis if infection is suspected
• Consider referring you to a foot surgeon if needed for removal of growths

Based on the exam and test findings, your podiatrist can determine the underlying problem causing bumps on your feet. Proper diagnosis is key for appropriate, timely treatment.

Treatment for Side Foot Bumps

Treatment options for bumps along the side of the foot may include:

Rest and Ice

Take pressure off the foot by limiting standing and walking. Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.

Padding and Orthotics

Cushioning pads and custom orthotic inserts redistribute pressure off bumps and bunions.

Medications

Medications like NSAIDs, analgesics, or uric acid reducers can relieve pain and inflammation.

Shoe Modifications

Wear shoes with a wide toe box, low heel, and soft uppers to minimize irritation of bumps.

Bunion Splints

Night splints hold the big toe in proper alignment to prevent worsening of bunions.

Toe Spacers

Spacers between toes help relieve pressure on neuromas and align joints.

Steroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain in bunions and neuromas.

Foot Exercises

Exercises to stretch and strengthen the feet help prevent muscle imbalance and deformities.

Callus and Corn Removal

Trimming thickened calluses and corns reduces rubbing and irritation against shoes.

Orthotic Devices

Devices like toe splints can hold hammertoes and prevent worsening deformity.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed to remove growths or correct severe foot deformities causing disability.

Home Remedies for Foot Side Bumps

You can try these home remedies to help relieve bumps on the side of the foot:

• Soak feet in warm Epsom salt baths to reduce swelling
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 minutes a few times per day
• Take OTC medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate pain
• Massage feet with soothing essential oils like peppermint or lavender
• Stretch and exercise feet daily to improve flexibility
• Use bunion pads, cushions, or toe spacers to protect bumps and bunions
• Wear proper fitting shoes with adequate room in the toe box

See your doctor if home treatments aren't helping within a few days. Proper medical diagnosis and care is crucial.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your doctor or podiatrist promptly if you experience:

• Severe, constant pain in the foot not relieved by rest and over-the-counter medication
• Significant foot swelling, redness, warmth or difficulty walking
• Bumps on the foot that are increasing in size
• Foot sores, ulcers, oozing or offensive odor indicating potential infection
• Toe drifting,

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.