Swellings on the top of the foot are quite common, and the commonest type is the “ganglion”. These are rubbery lumps, which vary in size from a very small pea to the size of a golf ball.  They ganglions usually grow and cause discomfort on top of the foot and difficulty with footwear.  Ganglia occur spontaneously and occasionally disappear as quickly as they arrive.

Small ganglia may be ignored. If the swelling is large and causing symptoms, then needle aspiration of the ganglion can be performed, but there is a high rate of recurrence. Alternatively, exploration and excision of the swelling can be carried out, but carries a rate of recurrence of 20-30%.

Other causes of swellings in the foot “mid-foot” include synovitis, trauma, infection among others, and usually require investigation prior to diagnosis. If you have a lump, which has grown rapidly and is painful day and night, you should contact your doctor urgently.