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

Lump on the side of the Foot Near the Ankle [Causes & Best Treatment]

Do you have a lump on the side of the foot near the ankle? 95% of the time, we find that this is the 5th metatarsal or the subtalar joint.

Lump on the side of the foot near ankle treatment video:

Lump on side of foot near ankle causes:

The Most Common Causes:

The 5th metatarsal styloid process:

• This is the bone called the 5th metatarsal.
• This is a normal bone that should be in your foot.
• The peroneus brevis muscle tendon inserts into the base of this bone.
• This is probably the most common cause of this lump.
• It can get sore from rubbing on your shoe!

The Subtalar Joint:

• The 2nd most common cause is fat herniating out from your subtalar joint.
• This is a harmless condition.
• If you have a soft lump that is not a bone, this is fatty tissue.
• This squeezes out below your ankle if you are carrying some extra fat padding and you are flat-footed.

Other Lesser Causes:

• A ganglion cyst is the most common smaller cause for a lump on the side of the foot near the ankle.
• A Ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sack that can range in size from a pea to a golf ball. These usually need to be drained or surgically removed.

Can it be a bruise?

• Contusions or bruises could be another cause of a lump on the side of the foot near the ankle.
• Bruises caused by an injury usually cause swelling and pain.
• This can occur in soft tissue, muscle, organs, and even bone.
• More serious conditions could occur, such as tumors.

Can it be a tumor or cancer?

• Theoretically, it can be.
• But this is probably like hitting the bad lottery. It is very rare.
• But the only way to know for sure is to see your podiatrist and make 100% sure!

Foot Pain Evaluation and Treatment in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle

Michigan patients with foot pain deserve a thorough clinical evaluation that identifies the specific cause and directs effective treatment. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons use weight-bearing digital X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and detailed clinical examination to establish accurate diagnoses for foot pain conditions — distinguishing plantar fasciitis from Baxter’s nerve entrapment, metatarsalgia from Morton’s neuroma, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction from tarsal tunnel syndrome, and stress fractures from soft tissue injuries. Treatment follows the diagnosis: custom orthotics, injection therapy, EPAT, bracing, physical therapy, or surgical correction depending on the condition and its severity. Michigan foot pain patients can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for a diagnostic evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills location.

Michigan Podiatric Care at Balance Foot & Ankle: Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Services

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients receive expert podiatric care for the full range of foot and ankle conditions, delivered by fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons at our Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208) offices. Same-week new patient appointments are available; we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. In-office digital X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound allow same-visit diagnostic imaging. Our services include custom orthotics, diabetic foot care, toenail care, wound care, injection therapy, EPAT for tendinopathy, and the full spectrum of foot and ankle surgical procedures. Michigan patients with any foot or ankle concern can call (810) 206-1402 to schedule with Balance Foot & Ankle.

Michigan Foot Doctor: Why Patients Choose Balance Foot & Ankle

Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Michigan patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle for podiatric care because our fellowship-trained surgeons combine clinical depth with a patient-centered approach — thorough evaluations, clear explanations, and treatment plans designed for the individual patient’s goals and circumstances. We provide same-week new patient appointments at our Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208) offices, with in-office digital X-ray for same-visit imaging. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. From conservative care — custom orthotics, injection therapy, EPAT — to surgical correction of foot and ankle conditions, our Michigan patients receive evidence-based care that addresses the root cause of their foot problems. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your appointment.

References

1. Gude W, Morelli V. Ganglion cysts of the wrist: pathophysiology, clinical picture, and management. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008;1(3-4):205-211.
2. Suzuki T, et al. Accessory navicular: its relevance to the adult flatfoot. Foot Ankle Clin. 2019;24(2):189-197.
3. Coughlin MJ, et al. Comprehensive evaluation and treatment of the ankle and foot. Foot Ankle Int. 2008;29(4):450-464.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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When to See a Podiatrist

If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.