Associated symptoms
A bump on the foot is often accompanied by accompanying symptoms, which can then provide clues as to the cause of the swelling. In the case of an inflammatory reaction, e.g. due to a gout attack, the accompanying symptoms are typically severe pain, reddening and a distinct overheating of the bump in comparison to the sides. An inflammation caused by bacteria can also result in the secretion of pus.
In contrast, a fractured bone as the cause of a bump on the foot usually only causes pain when the foot is strained. For example, if a bump originates from bony structures and presses on a nerve, the accompanying symptoms can be a sensation of tingling or numbness, for example in the toes. Often, however, bumps on the foot also occur that do not cause any accompanying symptoms at all, such as lipoma (benign growth that originates from the fatty tissue). In the vast majority of cases, these have a harmless cause and do not need to be removed or treated. A one-off medical examination or, if necessary, observation of the course of the disease is usually sufficient, provided that no further symptoms occur.
Treatment
How a bump on the foot should be treated depends primarily on what the cause of the swelling is. In many cases, no therapy is necessary at all, as the bump will recede by itself or at least no further change is to be expected. In the case of a bump due to an injury, the body can be helped to regain the bump by cooling, elevating and sparing the foot.
If an attack of gout is the cause, a short-term intake of anti-inflammatory medication should be taken. In addition, it is important to eat only a moderate amount of foods that cause gout, such as meat or alcohol. If bone proliferation is the cause of a bump on the foot, in most cases no treatment is necessary.
Only if there is an impairment, for example, because the bump presses on a nerve and thus causes discomfort, surgical removal may be indicated. In the case of a rheumatic disease as a trigger for bumps in the area of the small joints of the foot, the therapy of the underlying disease is most important. This topic might also be of interest to you:
- Therapy of gout
- Nutrition for gout
Duration
No general statement can be made about the duration of a bump on the foot, as this depends mainly on the cause and can also vary from person to person. Inflammatory reactions, for example due to an insect bite, as well as bumps after overloading or injury to the foot, usually last from a few days to a few weeks. In contrast, a ganglion and a bony proliferation as the cause of a bump on the foot can persist even in the long term, unless surgical removal is performed. Even though bumps on the foot are harmless in most cases and do not require special treatment, they should be clarified by a doctor if they continue to grow, persist for more than two weeks or cause severe complaints such as pain.
