Just discovered a painful, small lump near the bottom of my left calf. no ins. need advice. only painful when touched. not visible. ideas?

Cyst: If it is not visible, then most likely it's not inflammatory, because those are red, hot, swollen, itchy. Ganglion cysts (cysts located on the tendons) are by far the most common cause of otherwise not painful lumps unless touched. They are smooth surfaced, firm, mobile. They are benign and sometimes may disappear, although, at times may grown and cause even more pain due to compression.