Throughout our lives, we develop small skin growths. These are benign and usually disappear on their own. Sometimes, however, you might experience signs of cancer.
We’re going to tell you what causes lumps on legs in both adults and children and point out a few symptoms that you should take a closer look at and treatment measures.
What are Lumps on the Leg?
Lumps on legs are common and can result from several conditions, including cancer, infection, and cysts. Lumps on legs are a sign of something wrong in your body, but there are many reasons for them.
These conditions can result from an infection or disease, including skin infection, a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, or even cancer. Cysts can also cause lumps on the legs, as they are sacs filled with fluid that sometimes appear in the skin. Occasionally, lumps can occur on the legs due to enlarged fat pads or scarring.
Symptoms of Lumps on the Leg
Symptoms of lumps on the legs can be subtle, but they are always there. Lumps on the legs can be red, blue, or purple. These lumps can be swollen or soft, and they can be tender or hard. They can be located in the front, back, or sides of the leg.
The most common site is the groin, but it can occur on any part of the leg. In most cases, you may experience fever and muscle weakness.
Causes of Lumps on the Leg
The most common cause of leg lumps is an abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus that has formed around an infection. It can develop in many places on your body, including your leg. Pus in your leg may form when you get a cut, scrape, or bruise.
It may also form around an insect bite. You may also get an abscess if you have an infection in your blood or a deep infection in your leg.
It is possible to suffer from severe pain from an abscess that does not heal on its own. Consequently, it may need to be drained by a healthcare professional. Some of the other possible causes of lumps on the leg are listed below.
- A fracture, a knee injury, etc. Hematomas can also cause these injuries. Hematomas are accumulations of blood within tissues.
- There are inflammatory causes of arthritis, including Gout (uric acid buildup in the joints) and pseudogout, Osteoarthritis, and Psoriatic arthritis (arthritis associated with psoriasis of the skin).
You should, therefore, get these lumps treated as soon as possible if you notice them appearing on your legs.
Treatment of Lumps on the Leg
Treatment of leg lumps is a serious matter. Some people seek medical attention due to the discomfort that can arise from a lump or swelling on the legs. Others may ignore it, and the lump will eventually resolve on its own. Still, others may attempt to treat the bumps independently, which is rarely a good idea.
When to Visit a Doctor
It’s tricky dealing with lumps. Often, they represent the threat of something dangerous or unpleasant lurking below the skin that you cannot see; therefore, they can be frightening. You should immediately seek medical attention if you lump on your leg or exhibit any of the following symptoms.
- The lower leg is numb.
- An unbearable pain
- A significant amount of bleeding or hemorrhaging uncontrollably
- The presence of visible fractures or deformities in the bones
- Body parts that are paralyzed or unable to move
- Feet that are cold and have a weak or absent pulse
- Having a high fever
If you’d like an expert to evaluate you, schedule an appointment with Post Oak ER today.
Conclusion
Several factors can cause lumps on the legs. Although bumps might not be dangerous in every case, they could also indicate underlying health problems.
Therefore, you should see a doctor if you discover any unusual growth or lump near your legs.