Ganglion Cyst: Foot

A ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon. Ganglions can form on any part of the foot. But they most often appear on the ankle or top of the foot. Ganglions tend to change in size and often grow slowly.

Causes

Repeated irritation can weaken the lining of a joint or tendon. This can lead to ganglions. Bony outgrowths (bone spurs) and arthritis may also cause ganglions by irritating the joints and tendons.

Symptoms

Ganglions often form with no symptoms. But the ganglion may put pressure on the nerves and the overlying skin. This can cause tingling, numbness, or pain. Ganglions sometimes swell. Their size can change with different activities or a change in weather.

How are they diagnosed?

Ganglions are sometimes mistaken for tumors. So it’s important to have a complete exam done. Tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Health history

Your healthcare provider will ask you questions. These include how long you’ve had the ganglion and what kind of symptoms you’re feeling. He or she may ask if it’s changed in size or if its size varies based on your activities.

Physical exam

Your healthcare provider may do a translumination exam. This involves shining a light through the swelling. You can often see through a ganglion, but not through a tumor.) When your foot is pressed (palpated), a ganglion feels spongy and the fluid moves from side to side.

Tests

If a bone spur or arthritis is suspected, X-rays may be needed. Fluid removal (needle aspiration) may be done. It also helps to decrease pain. To confirm a ganglion, MRI may be done. This reveals images of soft tissue and bone. Sometimes, special dyes may be injected into the area to show the outline.

How are ganglions treated?

Ganglions may be hard to treat without surgery. But nonsurgical methods may be helpful in relieving some of your symptoms.

Nonsurgical care

• Pads placed around the ganglion can ease pressure and friction.

• Fluid removal may also relieve symptoms. This is done with a needle. A steroid may be injected at the same time. But ganglions may come back.

• Limiting movements or activities that increase pain may bring relief.

• Icing the ganglion for 15 to 20 minutes may relieve inflammation and pain for a short time.

• If inflammation is severe, your healthcare provider may treat your symptoms with medicine.

Surgical treatment

Surgery may be needed if a ganglion is causing ongoing or severe pain. The entire ganglion wall is removed during the procedure. Some nearby tissue may also be removed.

After surgery

You may feel pain, swelling, numbness, or tingling for several weeks following surgery. You should be able to walk soon afterward. But your foot may need to be wrapped or in a cast, boot, or hard shoe. See your healthcare provider if you notice any future problems. Surgery is often successful. But there is a chance that the ganglion will come back.