Have you recently noticed a sudden new bump or a lump somewhere on your ankle or foot that may or may not be associated with any pain? You may have a ganglion cyst. Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous lumps that most commonly develop on the hands, wrists, feet and ankles.
Symptoms
Here you can see the ganglion cyst circled in red.
A ganglion cyst appears as a round or oval lump underneath the skin that can be small (pea-sized) or grow up to an inch in diameter. The lump is usually compressible and slightly mobile when pressed upon. They may also change sizes, come and go or disappear on their own. They most often appear on the top of the foot or the outside of the ankle or foot, but can occur anywhere along a tendon, nerve sheath or joint. Many ganglion cysts are painless, but some may cause tingling, burning, numbness, aching, or pain if they are on or near a nerve. Cysts on the feet can also interfere with wearing shoes or participating in your favorite activities.
Causes
Ganglion cysts arise from the fluid filled areas on the ligaments or between the bones. The cyst is a sac of fluid that is harmless, but can become thicker over time. It is not entirely clear what causes a ganglion cyst to develop, but often times it is associated with an injury or overuse to the underlying joint or tendon.
Treatment Options
Since many ganglion cysts are painless, the often don’t require treatment. However, if they are interfering with your daily life, there are treatment options.
- Padding: For minor cysts, padding along the cyst region can temporarily alleviate pain or pressure from wearing shoes.
- Aspiration: This procedure involves using a need to drain the fluid from the cyst. In some cases, a steroid injection is recommended to reduce the chances of recurrence.
- Surgery: For severe or painful cysts, surgical treatment is recommended to remove the cyst entirely.
Remember – there are a number of reasons for lumps and bumps on your feet. Some are more serious than others. If you notice a new lump or bump, I encourage you to make an appointment for proper diagnosis and treatment.
— Dr. Frank, 541-385-7129
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