Soft Bump Above the Ankle: Comprehensive Imaging Results Are Normal
I am a 38-year-old female with a higher body weight, but generally in good health and currently experiencing perimenopause. Approximately two years ago, I identified a soft bump situated just above my left ankle, on the outer front portion of my lower leg. This lump is slightly larger than a quarter. Concerned by some recent numbness in my leg, I visited an Urgent Care facility where they conducted both an ultrasound and an x-ray; both tests returned clear results. The medical staff attributed the issue to superficial swelling. However, when the lump persisted a few months later, I requested a CT scan, which also showed no significant abnormalities, apart from noting a “superficial convexity.” Here are the findings from the CT report: - Markers were positioned above and below the symptomatic area in the front lateral aspect of the lower calf. No underlying soft tissue tumor was detected. There was no evidence of a well-circumscribed lipoma, hematoma, or cyst. - At the lower marker's position, a slight superficial convexity regarding the extensor digitorum longus muscle was observed, as indicated on series 604 image 25. This may indicate a normal anatomical variation or could result from a mild previous muscle injury or hypertrophy. No defined mass or high-grade tears were seen, and the surrounding muscle structure appeared normal. Tendons looked healthy based on the scan. The bones were intact, with no fractures or masses, and the alignment was anatomically correct, showing no significant arthritis. A year later, I underwent a duplex ultrasound to assess venous sufficiency, which returned normal results. Additionally, I consulted a podiatrist who opined that my swelling stemmed from tendinitis, with the lump potentially arising from nerve irritation due to the swelling. Now, two years later, the lump remains. I occasionally experience dull pain around the area of the lump and the ankle swelling. I’m curious if this could simply be related to superficial swelling that I must manage. I have noticed that the lump appears more pronounced when I am on my toes, and it diminishes significantly when my leg is relaxed or not bearing weight. When standing normally, it appears to be in between these two states.
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 9:11:12 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been very thorough in investigating the bump above your ankle, and it's great that the imaging studies have not shown any significant issues. The persistence of the soft lump and your occasional dull pain, especially with swelling and changes based on your position, can indeed suggest superficial issues rather than serious underlying conditions.
Key Points
- Benign Nature of the Lump: The imaging results are reassuring, indicating no tumors or significant injuries, which implies that the lump is likely benign and related to superficial swelling or muscle activity.
- Management of Symptoms: Your symptoms may be manageable with some lifestyle adjustments and supportive care.
Explanation
The bump you mentioned might be part of a normal anatomical structure, and the swelling could be due to conditions like tendinitis or nerve irritation as suggested by your podiatrist. These can often be exacerbated by activity or body position, which explains the changes you noticed when standing on your toes versus when your leg is relaxed.
Next Steps
- Limit Weight-Bearing Activities: Try to avoid prolonged standing on your toes or activities that may exacerbate swelling or pain. Incorporate breaks to rest your legs.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes a few times a day, especially after any activities that aggravate your symptoms. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Compression: Consider using a compression wrap or sock on your lower leg if advised, as this can provide support and help manage swelling.
- Gentle Stretching and Exercises: Engage in gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your ankle and lower leg to improve flexibility and support. Avoid any activity that increases your pain.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the lump or associated symptoms like pain, swelling, or numbness over the next few weeks.
If symptoms worsen or new troubling symptoms arise, such as significant swelling, severe pain, or changes in sensation, further evaluation may be warranted. Consider discussing these management strategies with your healthcare provider, particularly those who are familiar with your case.
Related Questions
Accidentally Inhaled Sunscreen - Should I Be Concerned?
As a 35-year-old woman standing 5'4" and weighing 110 lbs, I’m currently medication-free and avoid alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs. I hail from Canada. So, I must admit, my recent escapade was rather reckless. While attempting to deal with a sizeable wasp that had invaded my home—fearing it might sting my young child—I resorted to drastic measures. I couldn’t get close enough with a fly swatter, so I ended up discharging nearly half a can of Banana Boat Ultra Sport sunscreen on the insect. This either incapacitated the wasp or allowed me to safely usher it outside, where it will likely evolve into a new breed of wasp immune to sun exposure. Fortunately, I managed to keep my kids out of harm’s way, so they are completely unharmed. On the downside, I recklessly continued to spray, and as a result, I inhaled a significant amount of the aerosol. Now, even a full day later, my throat feels as though it’s on fire. I can’t help but worry about the potential ramifications of breathing in these harmful chemicals. Should I be alarmed about any possible damage to my esophagus? My anxiety is beginning to escalate over this situation.
Is It Typical to Experience Pain After a Root Canal?
At 26 years old, standing at 5’5” and weighing 150 pounds, I underwent a root canal on a lower back molar last Thursday. I had been battling a significant toothache since Sunday, and that was the earliest appointment I could secure. This marks my third root canal experience; during my very first one, I felt quite a bit of discomfort, but it was tolerable. My second experience was considerably better as I was completely numbed. However, during this recent procedure, I noticed that the numbing was minimal, and I sensed far too much. Despite expressing my discomfort multiple times and receiving more anesthetic, the dentist inquired if the pain was manageable. I made the regrettable choice to endure, thinking I could handle it. In hindsight, that was a terrible mistake, as I ended up experiencing excruciating pain throughout the procedure. I was sweating profusely, my heart raced, and I struggled to hold back tears, especially in the latter stages. By the time I reached my car, I broke down in tears, and for several hours, I dealt with pain that was among the worst I’ve ever felt. It was so intense that I found it difficult to remain still. Now, more than two days have passed, and I still suffer from substantial pain. The gums at the back are swollen, and the treated tooth feels elevated compared to the nearby ones, complicating eating since my other teeth hit that tooth first. I suspect the swelling is to blame. Additionally, I notice some swelling in my jaw. The throbbing persists, though it’s somewhat less severe than right after the procedure, making it still painful and quite uncomfortable. To manage the pain, I have been taking ibuprofen and Tylenol, and occasionally, I use a couple of puffs of marijuana. However, the continual pain is taking a toll on my overall well-being. Given all this, I have to ask: is this kind of pain normal? I’m quite anxious about the prolonged discomfort and curious how long it typically lasts. I have another appointment this Thursday for my permanent crown. Along with the dread of experiencing such pain again, I’m also concerned about being in this much discomfort during my next visit. If that’s the case, I’m unsure how I will cope. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. I apologize for the lengthy message!
Experiencing Severe Abdominal Discomfort
Hello, I'm currently suffering from intense pain in my abdomen. Just to clarify, this is definitely **not** menstrual-related! I'm a 14-year-old female, standing at 5'2" and weighing 65 kg. My last period ended last week, and I thought it was worth mentioning that I typically experience excessively heavy menstrual flows. I rely on the largest pads available, but they become saturated within three hours instead of the intended twelve, and I also endure severe cramps during my periods. Those cramps can be so agonizing that I've found myself crying out in pain, to the point that I needed to call my grandmother to bring me pain relief that was merely two feet from my bed, as I couldn’t manage to reach it myself. Now, onto the main issue at hand: this sudden pain began about thirty minutes ago while I was chatting with a friend. Out of nowhere, I felt the most excruciating pain I've ever experienced in my entire life, localized in my lower abdomen. Each cramping sensation is incredibly sharp and radiates to my hips and back. Additionally, I'm feeling a tightness in my chest, making it difficult to breathe; I'm even using my inhaler as I write this. Alongside the pain, I'm experiencing significant dizziness and nausea, and my vision seems to blur as my head spins. I’d also like to mention that with each cramp, I'm feeling an uncomfortable sensation in my genital area. Could anyone please offer suggestions on what might be occurring? I've taken strong painkillers, yet they seem to have no impact at all.
Cervical Radiculopathy from Repetitive Strain?
**Personal Information** - **Age:** 35 - **Gender:** Male - **Height:** 5'6" - **Weight:** 150 lbs - **Ethnicity:** Filipino For quite some time, I've been dealing with a level of neck discomfort that ranged from mild to moderate. Typically, I managed it using a combination of acupuncture and massage therapy. However, in July, I experienced a significant exacerbation of my symptoms, particularly in the left side of my neck where it meets my shoulder. Recently, this has escalated to the point where I occasionally hear ringing in my ears, especially when I lie down flat, even with a cervical support pillow. I also experience intermittent tingling sensations that extend to my fingers. The discomfort seems to fluctuate, affecting various areas including the scalene muscles at the front of my neck, and I've noticed pain radiating to my chest and lat muscles as well. After consulting with my neurosurgeon, who performed a scalene release micro-nerve procedure in 2023 to alleviate my thoracic outlet syndrome—which had been impacting my grip strength—he prescribed treatment for cervical radiculopathy based on my MRI findings. The results indicated the presence of herniated discs along with signs of cervical stenosis and straightening. Furthermore, my acupuncturist suspects arthritis in my neck, which aligns with findings from recent X-rays. Since my condition didn't arise from a specific injury, my physical therapist suggests that my symptoms are largely due to poor posture, particularly forward head positioning. Consequently, she recommended a regimen of stretches and exercises to address this issue. At present, the consensus among the medical professionals I've seen is to avoid surgical intervention due to the mild to moderate nature of my symptoms. They have all advised pursuing physical therapy as the primary course of action. I plan to continue this therapy while also incorporating acupuncture and neuromuscular techniques, massage therapy, and I am considering epidural steroid injections to assist with pain relief during the night. I'm curious if anyone else has encountered a similar situation. Could repetitive poor posture related to excessive use of computers, phones, and gaming have led to such severe neck pain? I'm eager to know what physical therapy exercises worked for others to alleviate their issues. Did anyone end up requiring surgery? What other treatments proved effective for you, and how long was your recovery process? Additionally, any advice on what activities to avoid or what positions might exacerbate my neck issues would be greatly appreciated. I'm still in the process of identifying which specific actions increase my discomfort aside from sleeping, which is unavoidable. I find it particularly uncomfortable when lying face down during acupuncture or massage sessions; after about 30 to 40 minutes, the flare-up on my left side intensifies and radiates down to my thumb, fading only once I change positions. I intend to provide updates on my condition, hoping to assist others who may experience similar challenges with their neck health. Currently, my physical therapists have prescribed exercises such as chin tucks, scapular retractions, upper trapezius stretches, shoulder shrugs, and workouts targeting the upper back, pecs, and lats. I also consulted a pain management specialist who strongly recommended that I proceed with an epidural steroid injection in the neck area on both sides. From what I understand, the effect of the anti-inflammatory injection may be temporary, and I've heard that insurance typically covers only up to three injections per year. I remain hopeful that a combination of physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and specific exercises will lead to improvement.
Seeking Guidance on Turbinate Reduction Surgery Recovery
Hello, I'm an 18-year-old who recently underwent turbinate reduction surgery just three days ago. I'm noticing a gradual improvement in my nasal congestion each day, which is encouraging. However, I have a concerning sensation: I no longer feel any sensation inside my nose. When I attempt to take deep breaths, it feels as though the nerves in my nasal cavity are completely absent. Additionally, if I inhale forcefully, I experience a strange, icy feeling that seems to radiate towards my eyebrow. Can anyone provide insight into whether this is a normal part of recovery or if it indicates a complication from the procedure? Thank you for your help!