We always advise patients to keep an eye on their feet and look for changes to their skin or toenails, and one new development that can sometimes occur is the formation of a fluid-filled lump on their foot. This new formation can be uncomfortable and have you wondering if the growth is cancerous, but more often than not it’s not cancer, it’s a ganglion cyst. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at ganglion cyst growth and explain how they are typically treated.
Causes And Symptoms Of Foot Ganglion Cysts
A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous fluid-filled growth that tends to develop on the foot. In many instances they are harmless, but due to their position, size and how they change how your foot fits in a shoe, they can be uncomfortable or even painful. These cysts typically form near a joint or a tendon, with many developing on the top of a person’s foot. They can range from the size of a pea to larger than a golf ball, and can be soft or firm to the touch. The cyst itself may also appear to move a bit if a person pushes it or applies pressure.
The exact cause of their onset is a bit unclear, but oftentimes they develop after trauma to a joint or a tendon that affects how synovial fluid is produced or stored near the joint. Synovial fluid helps to lubricate these soft tissues so that they can move freely, but if this fluid ends up pooling, it can lead to the formation of a ganglion cyst. Symptoms of a ganglion cyst in the foot include:
- A visible lump or protrusion
- Pain or discomfort
- Worsening discomfort when wearing shoes or putting pressure on the cyst
- A tingling or burning sensation underneath the cyst if it is affecting a nerve
More than half of all ganglion cysts on the foot lead to discomfort or pain, so while they may not be life threatening, odds are they will be uncomfortable.
Diagnosing And Treating Ganglion Cysts
The diagnostic process is pretty straightforward, as most patients and doctors can surmise that a ganglion cyst is the issue simply by examining the foot area. Additional testing of the cyst may be conducted if there is reason to believe there is more than meets the eye, but this is not typically necessary.
Treatment is oftentimes a wait and see game. Roughly half of all ganglion cysts eventually disappear on their own without any specific treatment, although roughly 10-20 percent end up returning down the road. If your cyst isn’t causing pain, watchful waiting it usually the recommended course of treatment, along with a roomier shoe.
If your cyst is causing pain and is showing no signs of shrinking, more hands on treatment may be recommended. In those instances, your foot specialist may recommend one of two common procedures:
Aspiration and Injection – During this procedure, the cyst is drained before the doctor injects a steroid into the area, hopefully preventing the cyst from returning.
Surgical Excision – Your doctor may also attempt to surgically remove the cyst and part of the tendon sheath or joint capsule. This reduces the likelihood that the cyst returns, but there’s a possibility it could still come back.
Both of these methods tend to be very effective in the short term and rather effective in the long term, and it’s important to remember that you should never try to pop or drain a cyst on your own. This could lead to an enlargement or an increased risk of infection. Instead, pursue watchful waiting or connect with a foot and ankle specialist like Dr. Silverman for hands-on care.
For more information about ganglion cyst formation and treatment, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot today at (952) 224-8500.
