Painful Bumps on the Sole: Causes and Treatment Options

There is a strange lump on the sole of the foot?

Hello Doctor, about a year ago, I accidentally stepped on a fallen clothespin, and since then, I have developed a lump on the bottom of my foot, slightly above the Yongquan point.
It has not healed, and walking for a long time causes significant pain.
The lump appears to be protruding under the skin, about 2-3 cm in height and diameter, with a slight bruise color in the center, but very minimal.

In terms of texture, the lump feels like it is located 2-3 cm beneath the skin, and it feels like there is a thick layer of skin over it; it is not hard, but rather soft.
Pressing directly on it causes pain, while rubbing it does not hurt as much.
When pressed, it feels somewhat like there is fluid that can be compressed, but it returns to its original shape after releasing pressure.
Pinching the protruding area is very painful.

I have tried physical therapy with electrical stimulation and acupuncture from traditional Chinese medicine.
I also visited a surgeon once, who made an incision (after healing, the scar seems a bit crooked; there was a lot of bleeding at the time, and it took a long time to stop the bleeding with pressure...
it was very painful, and I am a bit afraid to go back).
I have not found any similar cases online.

I would like to ask you, Doctor, is this situation a cyst? What should I do? Which specialty should I consult for further examination? Is it safe to massage it vigorously or use cupping therapy? Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

Xiao Ni, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/20

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery

Hello! It is possible that foreign debris is still inside.
It is recommended to visit a general surgeon for debridement.
Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Reply Date: 2020/09/20

More Info

Based on your description, it sounds like you are dealing with a painful bump on the sole of your foot that has persisted for over a year following an injury. The characteristics you describe—such as the size, softness, and pain upon pressure—suggest that this could potentially be a cyst, a lipoma, or possibly a neuroma, but a definitive diagnosis would require a thorough examination by a healthcare professional.

Possible Causes
1. Cyst: A cyst is a sac-like structure filled with fluid or semi-solid material. They can develop in various tissues, including the skin, and can be painful if they press on surrounding structures. The fact that it feels soft and can be pressed down suggests it might be a cyst.

2. Lipoma: This is a benign tumor made of fat tissue. Lipomas are generally soft, movable, and painless, but they can become painful if they press on nerves or other tissues.

3. Neuroma: A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that can develop in response to irritation or injury. Morton’s neuroma typically occurs between the toes but can also occur in other areas of the foot.

4. Hematoma: If there was bleeding at the site of the injury, a hematoma could have formed, which might explain the discoloration and the painful bump.

Recommended Actions
1. Consult a Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms and the duration of the bump, it would be advisable to consult a podiatrist or an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to better understand the nature of the bump.

2. Avoid Self-Treatment: While it might be tempting to massage the area or use alternative treatments like cupping, these methods could potentially exacerbate the issue or lead to further injury. It’s best to avoid any aggressive manipulation of the area until a professional evaluation is done.

3. Pain Management: In the meantime, if the bump is causing significant pain, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. However, this should not replace a professional assessment.

4. Physical Therapy: If the bump is related to muscle or joint issues, a physical therapist may provide exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve function.

5. Surgical Options: If the bump is confirmed to be a cyst or another type of growth that is causing pain or discomfort, surgical removal may be considered. This should be discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider, especially given your previous experience with surgery.

Conclusion
Your symptoms warrant a careful evaluation by a healthcare professional who specializes in foot and ankle conditions. They will be able to provide a more accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options. It’s important to address this issue, especially since it has been persistent and painful for an extended period. Don’t hesitate to seek help, as early intervention can often lead to better outcomes.

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