Soft Tissue Masses Specialist

What is causing the lump on my foot?

Lumps on your feet can occur on any areas of the foot and may be large or small. Some lumps can be painful or uncomfortable while others may only be noticeable to the touch while washing or rubbing your feet. The majority of lumps on feet are benign and can be caused by:

• Warts
• Corns and calluses
• Lipomas
• Cysts
• Neuromas

Arthritic changes related to rheumatoid arthritis
In very rare cases, soft tissue masses on the foot can be malignant, or cancerous. If you have a lump or soft tissue mass on your foot that doesn’t go away within a couple of weeks or is growing in size, visit the team at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists for diagnosis and treatment.

How many types of soft tissue masses can affect the feet?

There are ten categories of soft tissue masses that can affect the feet. The categories are based on the location of the mass and what types of cells the mass is made up of. 

Possible cell types that can form masses include skin cells, nerve cells, and fat cells. Masses can develop from a combination of these cells, making accurate diagnosis important for getting the right treatment.

How are soft tissue masses diagnosed?

At Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, the team begins your exam with a thorough assessment of your feet, paying special attention to the lump or mass. Your podiatrist determines the location of the mass and its characteristics, like whether it’s hard or soft, for instance.

In some cases, your podiatrist takes a biopsy or tissue sample of the mass to examine under a microscope. This biopsy may be performed in a variety of ways, some of which do include a minor surgical procedure. 

Based on their findings, the team determines the cause of your soft tissue mass and explains what can be done to treat it.

How are soft tissue masses treated?

Treatment for soft tissue masses depends on their cause and what symptoms you’re experiencing, like pain, numbness, tingling, or difficulty wearing shoes. Possible treatments for soft tissue masses include:

• Custom orthotics
• Padding, bracing, or casting
• Topical solutions to remove the mass
• Oral medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, to reduce inflammation or pain

Surgery may be recommended if the mass is large, doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, or malignant.

Get treatment for the lumps on your feet by calling Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC or booking an exam online now.