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1. GANGLION CYST
What Is a Ganglion Cyst? Treatment
A ganglion cyst is a mass of
tissue that is filled with a jelly-
like fluid. The word “ganglion”
There are various options for treating
a ganglion cyst on the foot:
• Monitoring, but no treatment. If
means “knot” and is used to describe the cyst causes no pain and does
the knot-like mass or lump of not interfere with walking, the
cells that forms below the surface surgeon may decide it is best to
of the skin. carefully watch the cyst over a
Ganglion cysts are among the What Causes a Ganglion Cyst? period of time.
most common benign soft-tissue Ganglion cysts are usually caused by • Shoe modifications. Wearing
masses. Although they most often some type of injury. For example, a shoes that do not rub the cyst or
occur on the wrist, they also ganglion cyst might develop after cause irritation may be advised.
frequently develop on the foot— something drops on the foot, if the In addition, placing a pad inside
usually on the top, but elsewhere foot was twisted while walking, or the shoe may help reduce pressure
as well. Ganglion cysts vary in after too much stress was placed on against the cyst.
size, may get smaller and larger a joint or tendon. For some patients, • Aspiration and injection. This
over time and may even disappear, the trauma that triggers this condition technique involves draining the
only to possibly return later. is something they do not recall. fluid and then injecting a steroid
Usually the cyst appears soon after medication into the mass. More
Signs and Symptoms the trauma occurs. than one session may be needed.
A ganglion cyst is associated with Although this approach is successful
one or more of the following signs Diagnosis in some cases, in many others the
and symptoms: To diagnose a ganglion cyst, the foot cyst returns.
• A noticeable lump—often this is and ankle surgeon will perform a • Surgery. When other treatment
the only symptom experienced thorough examination of the foot. options fail or are not appropriate,
• Tingling or burning, if the cyst is The lump will be visually apparent the cyst may need to be surgically
touching a nerve and, when pressed in a certain way, removed. While the recurrence rate
• Dull pain or ache, which may it should move freely underneath the associated with surgery is much
indicate the cyst is pressing skin. Sometimes the surgeon will lower than that experienced
against a tendon or joint shine a light through the cyst or with aspiration and injection
• Difficulty wearing shoes due to remove a small amount of fluid from therapy, there are nevertheless
irritation between the lump and the cyst for evaluation. Occasionally cases in which the ganglion
the shoe other imaging studies may be used. cyst returns. ▲
This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and
Ankle Surgeons, a professional society of 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors of
Podiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs.
The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education,
research and the promotion of the highest professional standards.
Copyright © 2006, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • www.FootPhysicians.com