Suggest Treatment For Painful Lump In Ankle Area

Posted on Tue, 28 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 25 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a lump on the front of my leg where the foot meets the leg - ankle area. It is about the size of a half dollar and is hard to the touch and painful. There is no warmth and I have no fever. I have been using a warm compress on it which relieves the swelling in my foot but doesn't seem to affect the lump. I am worried about a blood clot. I've had it about a week with no change.

Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bursitis or ganglion cyst

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for posting your query at Healthcaremagic.

I went through your query and understood your concerns.

With your description of symptoms, there are two possibilities.
1. ganglion cyst , causing compression - on examination condition can be confirmed. May require few test to check for location. If causing pain aspiration of ganglion relives pain.
2. lymphnode enlargement - superficial skin or deep infection in foot can cause enlargement of lymphnodes.

Rare possibility bursitis, tendon sheet inflammation. Blood clots are red or purple in discoloration and are usually subcutaneous.

Hope I answered your query. Feel free to ask further related query.

Wish you a good health.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vidya KR (31 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX KR .. Thank you for the prompt reply to my inquiry. I am still having problems, and today, after being on my feet all day, the affected foot is swollen and quite painful. There is a slight red tinge to it. Do you have any recommendations to relieve the pain and hopefully to dissolve the lump? I prefer not having to go to my local doctor.

Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (46 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See doctor

Detailed Answer:
The treatment of lump depends on the type of lump. After an ultrasound of the lump, drainage is needed alongwith antibiotics. Thus seeing your doctor would be a good idea. Regarding swollen foot, please keep the foot elevated higher then the rest of body while sleeping. Take pain-killers. Ibuprofen is available over-the counter and can be taken twice a day. Cold compresses would help. Take high protein diet, low salt, more fruits and take adequate rest. Hope it helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar