What is a Ganglion Cyst and How is it Treated?

A ganglion cyst is a lump that develops along the tendons or joints in your feet or ankles. (One may also form on your wrist or hand.) Non-cancerous and round or oval in shape, these cysts fill with a fluid similar to jelly. And they can range in size from no larger than a pea to a full inch in diameter. Depending on the size of your cyst, and the symptoms it triggers, you may need our Westfield podiatrist to remove the growth and prevent future complications.  

Ganglion Cyst Symptoms and Risk Factors

Not every cyst will look or feel the same, but when you have a ganglion growth, you may experience:

  • Cyst growth after using your nearby joint.

  • Pain, tingling, weakness or numbness if the cyst presses on your nerve. 

Anyone may develop a ganglion cyst, but women between 20 and 40 years of age seem to have the highest risk. Other factors, including osteoarthritis in your finger, hand, foot or ankle joints also makes it more likely one of these cysts will form. Finally, of you’ve ever injured a tendon or joint in your foot or ankle, your risk will also increase.

Treating Ganglion Cysts in Westfield, IN

When you come to our office with a fluid-filled growth on your foot or ankle, we may order an x-ray or MRI to make sure your cyst isn’t cancerous, or a sign of arthritis. Once we’ve ruled out these conditions, we can diagnose your ganglion cyst by using a needle to draw some fluid from the growth. (A process called aspiration.) If the fluid that emerges is clear and thick, we’ll confirm and talk about next steps.

If your cyst isn’t painful, we may leave it alone, and check in with you regularly to make sure you aren’t facing complications. Often, the growth will go away on its own.

But if your cyst is painful, or interfering with your mobility, we’ll suggest one of several treatment options. First, we may splint or brace the nearby joint to stop it from moving and irritating the cyst. Without extra pressure, your cyst may shrink, and symptoms like nerve pain should improve. Still, this can’t be a long-term solution, since extended immobilization can lead to joint or muscle weakness.

For that reason, if your cyst doesn’t shrink quickly, or your symptoms persist, we’ll explore other options. In some cases, we can use a sterile needle to drain fluid from the ganglion cyst. While this should offer pain relief, it’s very possible that the cyst will return.

That’s why, when cysts are persistent, we may suggest surgery. With this procedure, we can remove the cyst and its attachment to your tendon or joint. We only pursue surgery when your pain is severe, and other options fail.

Have you noticed a small growth on your foot or ankle, and you’re worried it could be a ganglion cyst? Schedule an appointment with our office right away. In most cases, we can diagnose your condition with a simple physical exam and begin pain-relieving treatment right away.

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