Large hard painful lump on inside leg above ankle

[LynneAV]

I am 62 and this lump appeared mysteriously five days ago.  It is not a bruise or injury, nor is it on the joint, nor is it red or otherwise discolored.  Just a painful hard swollen bump.  It is starting to impact my life because walking is somewhat painful (not due to the ankle, but just because of movement of the painful spot, pressure of sock, that sort of thing).   Medical offices except ER are all closed over the holidays, and after the New Year will no doubt be jam packed for months due to the holiday backlog, so I'm wondering if this is something I can let go for awhile. My only real fear, always, is cancer of some sort.

[LynneAV]

Thank you very much, it most likely is just bursitis. Since I recently started exercising, walking and aerobic dance, I lost 25 pounds and was so happy and feeling good about myself ... but obvsiously my guardian angel wants me to stay fat and ugly and miserable.  

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
A sudden painful lump can be due to bursitis of ankle joint, infected cyst, abscess or due to boil. Keep leg raised. Take anti-inflammatory. Go to the ER if that is the only option. Take care!