Bump on the Outside of Your Foot? 5 Possible Causes

If you’re currently experiencing foot pain, you know how irritating and inconvenient it can feel at times. Regardless of how active you are throughout the day, having a bump or source of discomfort on your foot can seriously affect your routine.

If you’ve recently noticed a bump on the outside of your foot, we do recommend speaking with a qualified medical professional instead of relying on a self-diagnosis. From experience, you could be suffering from one of a number of painful conditions. Here, we’ll list five common causes of foot bumps and explain a little bit more about each of them:

1. Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing it to lean inward toward the other toes. While they often start small, bunions can become more pronounced over time and may lead to pain, redness, swelling, and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably. Genetics, arthritis, foot injuries, and wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow can all play a role in their development. If left untreated, bunions usually worsen and can affect how you walk, creating additional strain on other parts of the foot.

2. Tailor’s Bunions (Bunionettes)

Unlike traditional bunions that form near the big toe, tailor’s bunions appear on the outer side of the foot at the base of the little toe. They develop for many of the same reasons as regular bunions—hereditary factors, abnormal foot structure, or poorly fitting shoes. These bumps can cause pressure, irritation, or pain, especially when wearing tight footwear. Over time, they can also lead to redness, inflammation, and difficulty walking if not addressed.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis is another common cause of bumps or swelling in the foot. Rheumatoid arthritis, in particular, can produce small, firm nodules called rheumatoid nodules that form near affected joints. These lumps can cause irritation and make it uncomfortable to wear certain shoes. Osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type of arthritis, can also create changes in the foot’s bone structure that appear as bumps. Because arthritis is progressive, early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing symptoms and maintaining mobility.

4. Gout

Gout is a painful type of arthritis triggered by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. This buildup forms sharp crystals in the joints, most commonly around the big toe. During a gout attack, the joint may become red, swollen, hot, and extremely tender to the touch. Repeated flare-ups can eventually cause visible lumps called tophi—collections of uric acid crystals that appear under the skin and sometimes resemble bumps on the foot.

5. Noncancerous Growths

Several benign (noncancerous) growths can form on the side, top, or bottom of the foot. These vary in size, texture, and symptoms:

Ganglion Cysts – Fluid-filled sacs that may cause tingling, numbness, or discomfort if they press on nearby nerves.

Bursitis – Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs near joints, often caused by repetitive movement or pressure.

Lipomas – Soft, fatty lumps under the skin that are usually painless and harmless.

Sebaceous Cysts – Small lumps resulting from blocked glands or hair follicles.

Plantar Fibromas – Firm nodules that develop in the arch of the foot and may cause tenderness when walking.

Most of these growths can be treated or removed by a medical professional with little difficulty. While malignant tumors to form on the foot are rare, any unusual or persistent lump should be examined to rule out more serious conditions and to ensure the right treatment plan.

Conclusion

A bump on the outside of your foot can have many causes—from bunions and tailor’s bunions to arthritis, gout, or benign growths. While some may seem minor at first, these conditions often progress if left untreated, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty staying active. The good news is that most of these problems can be accurately diagnosed and effectively treated with the right medical care. If you’ve noticed a lump or persistent discomfort in your foot, don’t ignore it—early evaluation is the best way to prevent complications and find relief.

For decades, Northwest Surgery Center has been a pioneer in treating bunions, heel spurs, and hammertoes. Our team of highly-skilled professionals can help you identify foot-pain problems and remove painful bunions so you can get back to your regular life. Most of our patients require only one surgery, and few have to miss time from work as a result of our minimally-invasive techniques. Contact us here to learn more or to discuss your treatment options.