Ganglion Cyst on the Foot – Should You Be Worried?

Have you noticed a cyst on top of your foot—it may have even appeared, changed sizes and disappeared, only to reappear for unknown reasons? The culprit may be a ganglion cyst, which is a common hand and wrist ailment that can also form on the top of the foot.

Most ganglion cysts form due to minor trauma or irritation over a joint or tendon, but the good news is they are generally harmless and can be treated and removed.

The Facts:

• 70% of ganglion cysts are found in people between the ages of 20-40.
• A ganglion cyst is normally soft and does not move.
• Ganglion cysts occur more often in women.
• As one cyst is most common, many small cysts may develop from one in deeper tissue.
• 35% of ganglion cysts show no other symptoms than simply appearing.

Symptoms:

Other than a noticeable bump on your foot, you may also experience the following symptoms:

• A tingling or burning sensation.
• Irritation while wearing shoes.
• Pain or aching under the bump.

In order to determine if you are suffering from a ganglion cyst, you should visit a podiatrist who can provide a comprehensive examination. This may include the podiatrist manually manipulating (moving) the cyst, extracting fluid from the bump (for evaluation), and by shining a light through it. Your podiatrist may even order an x-ray or ultrasound to definitively determine what caused the cyst, and to ensure it is not something more concerning, like a tumor.

Treatments:

Non-Surgical:

• Monitoring- If your ganglion cyst does not cause any pain or discomfort, your podiatrist may choose to simply monitor it for a period of time to determine if next steps needs to be taken.
• Aspiration and Injection- Your podiatrist will extract fluid from the cyst and then inject medication to aid in healing.
• Shoe Alterations- Changes made to your shoes to prevent irritation to the cyst may be an option to alleviate any pressure on it. In order to prevent irritation, your podiatrist may suggest changing your shoes to limit the amount of pressure applied to the cyst.

Surgical:

When the non-surgical treatments fail or prove not appropriate for the situation, the cyst may need to be surgically removed. This is generally a fast and effective outpatient procedure.

To schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at the Triad Foot Center, please call 336-375-6990 or click here to request an appointment.

 

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.