Foot masses can form for a variety of reasons — ranging from benign fluid-filled cysts to overgrowths caused by chronic stress or injury. Common types include:

• Ganglion cysts – soft, fluid-filled lumps near joints or tendons
• Bone spurs – hard protrusions often caused by pressure or arthritis
• Plantar fibromas – firm nodules embedded in the arch of the foot
• Bursitis – inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints
• Lipomas – soft, fatty tumors under the skin
• Inclusion cysts – typically from trauma or pressure
• Accessory bones – congenital extra bones that can become symptomatic
• Calluses or corns – from repetitive friction
• Soft tissue tumors or abscesses – rare, but must be ruled out
• Bunions and tailor’s bunions

• Painful or tender lump
• Skin redness, warmth, or signs of infection
• Changes in size, shape, or color of the mass
• Pressure when wearing shoes
• Limited mobility or discomfort when walking

Any lump that’s enlarging, painful, or unresponsive to home care should be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist.

We begin with a detailed clinical examination and may use advanced diagnostic tools:

• Digital X-rays – to assess bone spurs or deformities
• Ultrasound – ideal for detecting cysts and soft tissue masses
• MRI or CT scans – for deep or complex lesions
• Biopsy or aspiration – only if infection or tumor is suspected

Depending on the diagnosis, your custom treatment plan may include state-of-the-art therapies that go beyond standard podiatric care.

Conservative Therapies:

• Custom orthotics to offload pressure points
• Padding or shoe gear modification
• Topical and oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid injections to reduce localized inflammation
• Aspiration or drainage (for fluid-filled cysts)

We’re proud to offer advanced therapies designed to enhance healing, reduce recurrence, and avoid surgery when possible:

• Fetal tissue allograft injections – used for fibromas or tendon-related masses to promote soft tissue regeneration
• Amniotic stem cell therapy – for chronic soft tissue inflammation or resistant masses
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – stimulates healing in areas like plantar fibromas or post-debridement tissue
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) – non-invasive treatment to break up fibrous tissue and stimulate circulation
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – used for small nerve-related lesions or chronic pain from recurrent mass irritation

These advanced therapies are particularly effective for chronic, recurring, or difficult-to-treat lesions where traditional therapies have failed.

If the mass is large, recurrent, or causing significant discomfort, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended to:

• Excise cysts, fibromas, or bony overgrowths
• Remove accessory bones or infected masses
• Correct biomechanical deformities (e.g., bunions causing irritation)

Surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, with most patients returning to walking within days.

Whether it’s a small bump or a painful mass affecting your movement, early evaluation helps prevent complications and allows for less invasive treatment.

Book an appointment with SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors in Santa Monica or Cedars-Sinai today and explore modern, effective solutions for any foot mass or lump.