A ganglion cyst is a benign soft-tissue mass that typically forms near a joint or tendon. While often harmless, their presence on the foot can sometimes lead to discomfort or other issues depending on their size and location.
Understanding Ganglion Cysts
A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with a jelly-like fluid, originating from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. This fluid is synovial fluid, a natural lubricant found in joints and around tendons, reducing friction during movement. The word “ganglion” refers to the knot-like mass or lump that forms beneath the skin. While often found on the wrist, these cysts can also appear around the ankle, knee, or shoulder.
Ganglion Cysts on the Foot
Ganglion cysts frequently develop on the foot, with common locations including the top of the foot (dorsum), around the ankle joint, or near the toes. They can also occur on the bottom of the foot, though this is less common. These cysts can vary significantly in size, ranging from as small as a pea to as large as a golf ball, and their size may even fluctuate.
The presence of a ganglion cyst on the foot can present unique challenges due to constant pressure from footwear and the mechanics of walking. Even a small cyst can cause irritation or discomfort when rubbed by shoes.
While many foot ganglion cysts are asymptomatic, some can cause a dull ache or pain, especially when pressed or during physical activity.
A cyst may also cause tingling or burning sensations if it presses against a nerve. This pressure can sometimes lead to muscle weakness or difficulty wearing certain types of shoes. These symptoms often depend on the precise location and size of the cyst within the foot’s complex structure.
Identifying and Managing Foot Ganglion Cysts
Identifying a foot ganglion cyst often begins with a visible lump on your foot, which may be the only symptom. The lump might feel soft or firm and can sometimes move freely beneath the skin when pushed.
A doctor diagnoses a ganglion cyst through a physical examination, feeling the lump and assessing its mobility. A transillumination test, where a light is shined through the lump, can help distinguish a fluid-filled cyst from a solid mass. Imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, determine the cyst’s exact size and location, or rule out other conditions.
Management of foot ganglion cysts varies depending on symptoms. Several approaches are available:
If the cyst is not causing pain or interfering with daily activities, a “wait and see” approach is recommended.
Shoe modifications, such as wearing wider shoes or using padding, can help reduce irritation.
For symptomatic cysts, aspiration involves draining the fluid with a needle, sometimes followed by a steroid injection. While aspiration can provide temporary relief, cysts may recur after this procedure.
Surgical removal is an option, particularly for cysts that cause persistent pain, functional limitations, or recur after aspiration. However, even with surgery, recurrence is possible, though generally lower than with aspiration.