What Is That Lump on Your Foot? Common Causes of Unusual Foot Growths

You’re putting your socks on one morning and suddenly — there it is. A lump. On your foot. It wasn’t there yesterday… was it?

Whether it’s soft or firm, painful or painless, a lump on your foot can be unsettling. At Birtley Foot Clinic, we see patients all the time who’ve noticed a mysterious bump and are left wondering what it could be. The good news? Not every lump is a reason to panic. But some do need professional care.

Let’s break down some of the most common causes of unusual foot growths — and when you should book in with your local podiatrist in Birtley.

1. Ganglion Cysts – The Jelly-Like Bubble

If the lump feels squishy, round, and changes size from time to time, it could be a ganglion cyst.

These are fluid-filled sacs that often appear near joints or tendons. On the foot, they commonly pop up on the top or side and might feel like a little water balloon under the skin. They can be painless — or press on nerves and cause discomfort, especially when you wear tighter shoes.

Fun fact: ganglion cysts used to be called “Bible cysts” because people would try to smack them flat with a heavy book. Please don’t try that at home!

2. Plantar Fibromas – Firm Lumps in the Arch

Notice a firm lump right in the middle of your foot arch? It might be a plantar fibroma — a non-cancerous growth within the plantar fascia (that band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot).

These can feel like a small marble under the skin and may become painful when walking or standing for long periods. They usually don’t go away on their own, but they can be managed with proper footwear, insoles, or treatment from a foot pain specialist in Birtley.

3. Morton’s Neuroma – A Nerve That Won’t Quit

While technically not a “lump” you can always see or feel from the outside, Morton’s neuroma creates the feeling of one — right between your toes, usually the 3rd and 4th.

It’s caused by irritation or compression of a nerve and can feel like:

• Walking on a pebble

• A burning sensation or numbness

• A sharp, stabbing pain

If you’re taking your shoe off mid-walk just to get relief, this could be the culprit. Left untreated, neuromas can worsen over time, so it’s best to catch them early.

4. Other Types of Cysts – Hidden Fluid Pockets

Not all cysts are ganglions. You might also develop:

• Epidermoid cysts (filled with keratin)

• Sebaceous cysts (from blocked oil glands)

• Synovial cysts (linked to joint fluid)

Some are visible lumps, while others stay deeper under the skin. A podiatrist can help identify which type you’re dealing with and recommend the best treatment path — whether that’s monitoring, draining, or referring for removal.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

If you’ve noticed a lump on your foot that:

• Has changed in size, shape, or colour

• Is painful when walking or standing

• Makes your shoes uncomfortable

• Has been hanging around for more than a few weeks

…it’s time to let a professional take a look.

At Birtley Foot Clinic, we’ll assess the lump, identify the cause, and talk through your options — whether that’s monitoring, offloading, insoles, or minor procedures.

You Don’t Need to Guess

Lumps and bumps on the feet can be caused by all sorts of things — from simple cysts to nerve irritation or deep-tissue growths. But you don’t need to play foot detective. That’s what we’re here for.

If you're looking for a podiatrist in Birtley to help you figure out what’s going on with your foot, we’d love to help.

Ready to Get That Lump Checked?

Pop in to see us at Birtley Foot Clinic or book your appointment online. Whether it’s a ganglion cyst or something else entirely, we’ll work with you to find a solution that gets you back on your feet — comfortably.