Quick answer: A painful lump on the side of your foot is most commonly a ganglion cyst, bursitis from a prominent navicular or 5th metatarsal head, or a tailor’s bunion. Slow growing + soft = ganglion. Hard + bony = bunion variant. Painful with shoe pressure = bursa or ganglion. Treatment: stop pressure with wider shoes, ice 15 min 3x/day, and a podiatrist evaluation if it persists >3 weeks. — Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, board-certified podiatrist (Michigan Foot Doctors).

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links to products we recommend. If you purchase through these links, Balance Foot & Ankle may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we use with our patients.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist
Last Updated: March 2026 | Reading Time: 22 min
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Schedule an appointment for personalized care.

Watch Dr. Tom Explain Bumps on the Foot

Watch Dr. Tom explain common causes of bumps and lumps on the foot — from plantar fibromas to ganglion cysts and bone spurs:

Bump growing or painful? Book an appointment · (810) 206-1402

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tomasz Biernacki, DPM · Board-Qualified Podiatrist · Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI · Last updated March 2026

Bump or Lump On Side Of Foot? Causes, Treatment, Surgery & Recovery

A lump on the side of the foot can develop for many reasons, ranging from mild irritation to structural foot problems. Some lumps grow slowly and cause little discomfort, while others may become painful, swollen, or interfere with walking.

Schedule an Evaluation With a Foot Specialist

• Serving patients across Michigan
• Same-week appointments available

⚡ Quick Answer

A bump on the side of your foot is usually a tailor’s bunionette (bony prominence at the base of the 5th toe) or a styloid process prominence (normal bone that sticks out more in some people). Treatment starts with wider shoes, silicone padding, and anti-inflammatories. If the bump appeared suddenly after an injury, get an X-ray to rule out a 5th metatarsal fracture. Surgery is rarely needed — most patients improve with conservative care in 4–6 weeks.

⚠️ Most Common Mistake

The most common mistake is continuing to wear narrow, pointed shoes that press against the bump. This accelerates the deformity and turns a mild bunionette into a painful, inflamed one. The second mistake is assuming all bumps on the side of the foot are bunionettes — a sudden painful bump after a twist or fall could be a fracture that needs different treatment entirely. Always get an X-ray if the bump appeared after an injury.

🔍 Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?

• Tailor’s bunionette — Bony bump at the 5th metatarsal head. Worsens with tight shoes. Most common cause.
• Styloid process prominence — Normal bone at the base of the 5th metatarsal that protrudes. Often mistaken for a fracture.
• 5th metatarsal fracture — Sudden pain and swelling after injury. Requires X-ray to confirm.
• Ganglion cyst — Soft, movable, fluid-filled lump. Can occur over any joint or tendon sheath.
• Peroneal tendon subluxation — Bump behind the outer ankle bone that moves with ankle motion. Related to tendon instability.

Lump on the Side of Your Foot? Here’s What It Might Mean.

A lump on the side of your foot can be alarming—especially if it’s painful, growing, or affecting the way you walk. While some lumps are harmless and due to pressure or irritation, others may signal underlying conditions like cysts, bone growths, or soft tissue inflammation. Understanding what’s causing the lump is the first step toward relief and proper treatment.

Some lumps are painless, while others can interfere with walking or shoe wear. If the bump changes in size, color, or causes discomfort, it’s best to have it checked by a foot specialist.

What Causes a Lump on the Side of the Foot?

There are several reasons a lump can develop on the side of your foot. Common causes include:

• Ganglion Cyst – A fluid-filled lump often near tendons or joints.
• Tailor’s Bunion (Bunionette) – A bony bump on the outer side of the foot near the pinky toe.
• Lipoma – A soft, fatty, non-cancerous growth under the skin.
• Bone Spur – Extra bone that forms due to pressure or arthritis.
• Plantar Fibroma – A thickened fibrous tissue on the sole that may bulge to the side.
• Infection or Abscess – Swelling from an infection, often warm and painful.
• Corns or Calluses – Hardened skin from repeated friction or pressure.

Common Causes of a Lump on the Side of the Foot

1. Bunionette (Tailor’s Bunion)

A bunionette forms on the outer side of the foot at the base of the little toe. It is caused by pressure, foot structure, or tight footwear.

 

Symptoms:

• Visible bump on the outer foot
• Redness or swelling
• Pain while walking or wearing shoes

2. Ganglion Cyst

A fluid-filled sac that develops near joints or tendons. It often feels soft and may change in size.

 

Symptoms:

• Round, smooth lump
• Mild discomfort or pressure
• May appear suddenly

3. Bone Spur

A bone spur can form due to repeated stress, arthritis, or inflammation.

Symptoms:

• Hard lump
• Pain with movement
• Tenderness in the affected area

4. Lipoma

A benign fatty lump that grows under the skin. These are usually painless and slow-growing. 

5. Soft Tissue Injury or Swelling

Trauma, overuse, or inflammation can cause swelling that feels like a lump.

Don’t Let a Foot Lump Slow You Down—Get It Checked Today

A lump on the side of your foot may seem minor, but it can impact your comfort, mobility, and overall foot health. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we provide expert evaluations and customized treatment plans for foot lumps of all types.

Book a Podiatrist Visit Now

Top-Rated Foot Care Products Recommended by Podiatrists

Trusted Solutions To Soothe, Protect, and Support Your Feet

Best Products

Finding the best products for managing peripheral neuropathy and diabetic foot pain can make a world of difference in your daily comfort and mobility.

Best Orthotics

When it comes to managing foot pain from conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or diabetic neuropathy, the best orthotics can offer crucial support and relief. 

Best Shoes

Choosing the best shoes for foot conditions like neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, or flat feet is essential for pain relief and long-term foot health.

Painful Bump on the Side of Foot Video

Outside of the foot bumps causes & treatment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl784uhfHZs

Bump on the Outer Side of My Foot Infographic

The infographic below goes over the most common reasons for a bump on the foot’s outer side.

Bump or Lump On Side Of Foot Video Summary:

In this video, we go over:

If you have a bump on the outer side of your foot:

• It can be in 3 regions: the outside of the heel below the ankle bump,  the middle outside of the foot bump, or the bump at the base of the 5th toe.

Hard bump on the side of foot:

• A hard bump on the side of the foot can be the styloid process or the 5th metatarsal head bunion.

Recommended Product: Custom Orthotics

If you have a lump on the side of your foot, excess pressure and improper foot alignment can make the pain worse. Custom orthotics are designed to correct foot mechanics, redistribute weight, and reduce irritation around the affected area.

Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are made specifically for your foot shape, walking pattern, and condition.

How Custom Orthotics Help

• Reduce pressure on the outer side of the foot I
• Improve foot alignment and balance
• Cushion sensitive areas around lumps or bumps
• Decrease pain while walking or standing
• Help prevent the lump from worsening

Book for Custom Orthotic Consulation (810) 206-1402

Bump or Lump on the Side of Foot Pictures:

If you ever wonder, “what is the bump on the side of my foot?”

Look:

• If you have a painful bump on the side of the foot, it is usually in 3 different areas.

5th toe bump:

• If the bump on the outside of your foot is on the fifth toe, this could be a callus and corn or hammertoe.
• If the bump is at the base of your fifth toe, this is usually called a tailor’s bunion or bunionette.

Bump on the middle outside of the foot:

• If you have a hard bump on the middle outside your foot, this is usually a normal bone. It is the styloid process. It could be damaged in a Jones fracture or a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal.
• This bump is also known as the bump on the side of the foot near the arch.
• The middle outside of your foot could also be inflamed if you have peroneus brevis insertional tendinitis. This can be very common in athletes in runners.

Bump on the Outside of the Heel or Ankle:

• If the pain is more towards the back, but before the heel, this could be a cuboid syndrome.
  If you have a bump on the side of the foot below the ankle, this could be the subtalar joint or a lipoma developing.

Overview:

• Near the outside front of your foot, the causes of bumps are most common along the 5th toe, the 5th metatarsal, and the 5th metatarsal styloid process.
• Near the outside ankle, the bump is most likely the head of your fibula.
• The most common cause of lumps or bumps on the outside of your foot is your 5th toe and the 5th metatarsal styloid process.
• If these bones become injured, swollen, or inflamed, this can cause swelling! Very rarely is it a dangerous tumor!

Red Itchy Bumps on the Side of the Foot

• If you have red itchy bumps on the side of the foot: This could be eczema or dermatitis secondary due to rubbing or irritation on the outside of the foot.

Causes Of Outside Of The Foot Lump or Bumps:

The outside of the foot is called the rigid lever. This is because it is mostly rigid bone.

• This makes it very likely to have bumps or lumps.
• The most common causes are the 5th metatarsal.
• This is a bone with two ends that can become prominent on the outside of the foot.

Specific Causes:

• 5th toe can be swollen.
• 5th toe tailor’s bunion.
• The 5th metatarsal styloid process is in the middle outside of your foot.
• The ankle is due to the head of the fibula.

Bump on the Middle Side of Foot

A foot bump at the outside front of the foot is usually a bunionette.

• This is also known as a tailor’s bunion.
• This is exactly like a normal bunion but occurs at the 5th toe, not the big toe.
• The causes & treatments are almost identical to the big toe bunion.
• It may be a good idea to get a pair of shoes wider in the front.
• But the only way to remove the pain permanently is to get surgery eventually.

Symptoms of a Bump at the Front Outside of the Foot:

• Swelling, redness, and pain.
• Numbness, burning, or tingling of the little toe.
• This numbness is due to nerve compression against the shoe.
• This can lead to pain against the edge of the shoe.
• Pain is better when you take your shoes off.

The 5th metatarsal Styloid Process (Bump on middle outside of foot):

A foot bump on the middle outside of the foot is the styloid process.

• If it is painful, this is known as a Jones fracture.
• This can present as a bump on the middle outside of the foot.

• If it is just a large bump, this is absolutely normal and nothing to worry about.
• If it is enormous, you may have an extra bone called an os vesalanium.
• It is also possible to have a very high arched foot.
• If you have a very high arch, this is called cavus foot, and the styloid process is very prominent.

Symptoms of a Bump on the middle outside of the foot:

• Swelling, redness, and pain.
• Numbness, burning, or tingling of the little toe.
• This numbness is due to nerve compression against the shoe.
• This can lead to pain against the edge of the shoe.
• Pain is better when you take your shoes off.

If you have a Jones fracture or injury to the outside of your foot, consider the following options:

Outside of the Ankle Bump or Lump:

Ankle sprains happen when you roll your foot in:

• Ankle Sprain Treatment.
• Rolled Ankle Recovery Time.
• High Ankle Sprain Recovery Time.
• Ankle Tendonitis.
• Sore Ankles After Running.
• Broken Ankle Recovery Time.
• Broken Ankle or Sprained Ankle?

If you are having pain with a bump on your foot’s middle side, consider styloid process pain.

Bump or Lump On Side Of Foot Treatment:

• Most bumps or lumps on the side of the foot do not need to be treatment.

• The majority of the time these masses are not tumors but normal part of your anatomy.

• The most common times we see people come to our office concerned about a tumor or a strange bump, it is simply a normal part of anatomy that looks a little bit bigger on their foot.

• The most common lumps and bumps I see are the 5th metatarsal and the side of the ankle.

Podiatrist Treatment Algorithm

If these home treatments did not help, consider seeing a podiatrist!

A. Physical examination:

• Examining the foot will almost immediately let us know if something unusually is happening to the foot.
• This can be difficult to do if you don’t look at hundreds of feet every day!
• Usually we can tell if something is supposed to be there almost immediately.
• Read the list below to make sure your foot looks normal!

B. X-Ray of your foot:

• An X-ray can usually be better than advanced imaging for bone assessment.
• You don’t need to jump straight to an MRI.
• An X-ray can usually do a great job if there is a foreign object or if there is an extremely large bone prominence.
• 90% of the time an X-ray is the only imaging you will need.
• This is something we can get for you while your are in the office.

C. MRI if we suspect a soft tissue tumor or injury:

• If there is something unusually happening, we may choose to order an MRI.
• An MRI is ordered within the hospital and is subject to insurance approval, so it can be slow and painful to get for some insurances even if needed.
• We can do an in office ultrasound, but generally if we are concerned, an MRI would be the choice diagnostic image.
• The actual need in the real world for an MRI in this case is extremely low.

D.  Soft Tissue or Bone Biopsy:

• If something unusual is visualized on MRI or X-ray, the last step may be to make 100% that it is not something dangerous.
• If you have more of a cystic mass, this may be done in the office with a needle aspiration.
• But if you have a true bone tumor or concerning mass/lump/bump, we may need to grab a sample in the operating room.
• If you do have a true cancerous mass, the best thing to do would be to get a second opinion from an oncology specialist.
• We don’t take any chances in that case!
• Follow this link for more on bone and cancerous tumors.

Home Remedies for Bumps on the Outside of the Foot:

The quickest way to make the bumps on the outside of your foot do better is to get yourself a good pair of shoes and orthotics.

Best Shoes for Outside of the Foot Pain:

Shoes can be one of the best ways to improve outside of the foot pain!

 

Best Orthotics for Outside of the Foot Pain:

A good supportive pair of over-the-counter orthotics can effectively reduce swollen bumps on the outside of the foot.

These can be effective for hard, painful bumps and sore bumps on the outside of the foot.

Outside of the Foot Pain Remedies:

Refer to the video at the beginning of this guide for:

• Outside of the foot pain exercises.
• Outside of the foot pain massage.
• The best outside of the foot pain products.

Our board-certified podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle care.

Experienced Care for Lumps and Bumps on the Foot

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Specializes in treating bump or lumps of the foot caused by trauma, including bunions.

Book Now

Dr. Carl Jay,
DPM

Specializes in both conservative and surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions.

Book Now

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Provides comprehensive podiatric care with a focus on modern, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

Book Now

FAQ Lumps on the Side of the Foot

What is the bump on the side of my foot?

The most common bumps on the outside of your foot falling into 3 areas.

• The ones around the fifth toe are due to a tailors bunion.
• The most common bump on the outside of your foot in the middle is called the styloid process of the fifth metatarsal.
• This could also be a soft bump that could be insertional peroneus brevis tendinitis.
• The middle outside of the foot could be a hard bump that could be a painful swollen fifth metatarsal styloid process.

What are the bumps on the side of my foot near the heel?

• If you are wondering what the bumps on the side of your foot near the heel are, they are called peizogenic papules.
• Piezogenic papules are herniations of the fat pad from the heel.
• These could be white bumps on the outside of the heel and on the outside of the heel.
• Piezogenic papules can be treated with good orthotics such as listed above.
• This should help with the small white bumps on the outside of your foot.

What are the itchy red bumps on the side of my foot?

The most common causes of itchy red bumps on the side of the foot are eczema or dermatitis.

Eczema or dermatitis on the side of the foot is usually caused by excessive sweat, irritating sock material, or irritating shoe material.

This can also be associated with an athlete’s foot and foot fungus.

The solution to itchy bumps on the side of the foot is to make sure the sweat is limited, that the skin is cleansed regularly and that you wear a good supportive shoe such as the ones described above.

It might also be a good idea to get a good supportive pair of socks to prevent any skin condition or irritation.

This outside of the foot bumps could be red bumps on the side of the foot or itchy bumps on the side of the foot.

What are the small red bumps on the side of the foot?

• As mentioned above, the small red bumps on the side of the foot can be itchy or not itchy.
• They are usually due to eczema or dermatitis.
• That he is to prevent excessive sweat and athlete’s foot buildup.
• By using a good supportive shoe and a high-quality sock, it would limit these.
• It may also be a good idea to use an antifungal cream or spray.

What are the small white bumps on the outside of my foot?

The small white bumps on the outside of the foot could be due to numerous skin conditions.

The most common cause is a painful hard lump called corn. This is scar tissue that forms into the sweat gland.

If the bumps are on the outside of the heel below the ankle, this is likely a piezogenic papule. A piezogenic papule is a herniated fat pad.

What are the tiny bumps on the side of the foot under the skin?

These tiny bumps are most likely called corns because they go deep underneath the skin.

These could also be piezogenic papules which are herniated fat papules.

Can I have a fluid-filled bump on the side of my foot?

• Usually, when people ask, they have a fluid-filled bump on the side of their foot. It is simply bursitis or soft tissue irritation.
• It is also possible to have a ganglion cyst which is a true fluid pocket.
• This is a joint fluid that can herniate from the joint.
• The best solution for this is to see your podiatrist and get evaluated with ultrasound or x-ray.

Is the Lump on the Side of Your Foot Getting Worse?

A lump on the side of your foot may seem minor at first, but it can grow, become painful, and affect the way you walk. Early evaluation can help prevent complications and provide faster relief.

At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, our experienced foot doctors will identify the cause of the lump and recommend the most effective treatment—whether conservative care or advanced surgical correction.

Book an Appointment Today (810) 206-1402

Frequently Asked Questions About Bumps on the Side of the Foot

What causes a bump or lump on the side of your foot?

Common causes include a bunionette (tailor’s bunion) at the base of the little toe, a ganglion cyst filled with joint fluid, a bony exostosis (bone spur), or a lipoma (fatty tissue growth). Less commonly, it could be a stress fracture callus or a soft-tissue tumor. A podiatrist can diagnose the exact cause with a physical exam and imaging.

Is a bump on the side of my foot serious?

Most bumps on the side of the foot are benign, such as bunionettes, ganglion cysts, or bone spurs. However, any lump that grows rapidly, causes significant pain, changes color, or appears after trauma should be evaluated promptly. A podiatrist can rule out serious conditions and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent the bump from worsening.

Can a bump on the side of the foot be treated without surgery?

Yes, many bumps respond well to conservative treatment including wider footwear, custom orthotics, padding, icing, and anti-inflammatory medications. Ganglion cysts can sometimes be aspirated in-office. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatment fails to relieve pain or when the bump interferes with daily activities and shoe wear.

How do I know if a foot bump is a ganglion cyst or a bunionette?

A ganglion cyst is typically soft, movable, and may change size over time. It’s filled with clear, jelly-like fluid and often appears near a joint or tendon. A bunionette is a bony bump that is firm, fixed, and located specifically at the fifth metatarsal head. X-rays can easily distinguish between the two conditions and guide treatment decisions.

Should I pop or drain a lump on my foot at home?

No — never attempt to drain or puncture a lump on your foot at home. This carries a high risk of infection, nerve damage, and incomplete drainage. If a ganglion cyst or fluid-filled bump needs draining, a podiatrist can perform aspiration under sterile conditions. Some lumps are solid (bone spurs, lipomas) and cannot be drained at all.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

For persistent or growing bumps on the foot, our clinic offers diagnostic imaging (X-ray and ultrasound) to determine the exact nature of the mass, aspiration for ganglion cysts, custom orthotics for pressure offloading of bone spurs and bunionettes, corticosteroid injections for inflammatory masses, MLS laser therapy, and surgical excision when indicated. Dr. Tom performs a thorough examination to distinguish between benign and concerning growths — most are treatable conservatively.

Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402 · Book now →

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists