FootandAnkleSurgeon What’s This Bump On MyFoot? by Dr. Michael Coyer, DPM, AACFAS (NAPSA)—Bumpsonfeetcan signal serious or nonserious conditions, soit’s best to have all bumpsproperly examined by a foot and ankle surgeon. The most common type of foot bump,ganglionic cysts, are soft, harm- less, fluid-filled sacs found on the tendonsandjoints of the foot. Ganglionic cysts can be causedby a leakingofjelly- like fluid from the “capsule” surrounding the joint or tendon and may be on Dr. ‘hael Coyer, DPM, AACFAS. the top ofthe foot, near the anklejoint or even onthesideofthe foot. The cyst wontdisappearonits own andthebest wayto preventreoccurrenceis to haveit surgically removedby a foot and ankle surgeon. Plantar fibromasare anothertypeof harmless bump found onthefoot. Plantar fibromasare fibrous, hard bumps found within the ligamentof the foot and are commonin the arch area on the bottom of the foot. Nonsurgical treatments,such assteroid injections or orthotic devices, may relieve symptoms. Surgical removal is an option for people whostill have pain after trying nonsur- gical approaches. Foot bumps suspected of being something more serious are biopsiedfor properdiagnosis. Ifit is cancer, the foot andankle surgeon will remove the mass working with an oncologist for further treatment. Foot bumps don't go awayontheir own. The sooner a bumpis properly evaluated, you can have peace of mind, move forward with treatment and resume everydayactivity. For more information on foot bumps orto find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’patient education website. + Dr. Coyeris afoot and ankle surgeon and an Associate Memberof the Ameri- can College ofFoot and Ankle Surgeons.
