Seeing a lump on your leg after exercising can be alarming, particularly if it wasn't there before. There are numerous causes of lumps on the leg, but some are more commonly associated with exercising, such as hernias, engorged veins and cysts. Lumps cannot be diagnosed merely by looking at them, so consult your physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Engorged Veins
Veins are the body's way of shunting de-oxygenated blood through the body and back to the lungs and heart. Engorged veins -- also referred to as varicose veins -- are veins in which the valves are not functioning properly. As a result, blood pools in the area where the vein is blocked, creating a bulge or lump. Varicose veins appear most often in the leg, and can appear as a lump during or after exercise. Lumps caused by engorged veins may disappear some time after exercising and reappear when you return to exercising.
Hernias
A common cause of lumps on the leg, and particularly the lower leg, hernias are the result of weakness or tears in the lining of the fascia -- the tissue around the muscles. The muscle of the leg pokes through the tear or weakness in the fascia, causing a lump. The lump may not be noticeable until you are exercising. Smaller hernias are often painful, while larger ones tend to have no or little pain associated with them.
Cysts
Cysts are a closed sac or pouch of tissue that is most often filled with fluid, pus or air but can also be full of fibrous tissue or other materials. Infection, clogged sebaceous glands or a foreign object can all cause cysts on the skin. Cysts can form anywhere on the leg, but many times appear on the back of the knee -- what's referred to as a Baker's cyst. Most cysts are not painful but can cause a certain amount of discomfort. Exercise may make a cyst worse or simply more noticeable because your are moving.
Considerations
Lumps on the leg are often harmless, but there is the possibility that it could be something serious such as cancer or another systemic disease. Consult a doctor for a diagnosis. He will be able to examine the lump and run tests to determine if it is malignant or benign. If you experience any other symptoms, such as fever, severe pain or loss of sensation in your leg, seek immediate medical attention.
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