What about ganglion cysts on the foot?

Ganglion Cysts on the Foot

Ganglion cysts can occur anywhere on the body.  Often they will occur on the top of the foot.  Although they are not cancerous, they can be quite painful.  They are sometimes asymptomatic, but can also cause a burning sensation, skin irritation, and can make walking and wearing shoes difficult.

Ganglion cyst on foot
Ganglion cyst on top of foot

Diagnosis

A ganglion cyst on the foot is diagnosed by a podiatrist through a thorough examination. The lump will be visually apparent, and, when pressed in a certain way, it should move freely underneath the skin. Sometimes the surgeon will shine a light through the cyst or remove a small amount of fluid from the cyst for evaluation. Your doctor may take an x-ray, and in some cases, additional imaging studies may be ordered.

Sometimes the podiatrist will shine a flashlight through the cyst or remove a small amount of fluid from the cyst for evaluation.

Nonsurgical Treatment

There are various options for treating a ganglion cyst on the foot:

Monitoring but no treatment
If the ganglion cyst causes no pain and does not interfere with walking, the podiatrist may decide it is best to carefully watch the cyst over a period of time.

Shoe modifications
Wearing shoes that do not rub the cyst or cause irritation may be advised. In addition, placing a pad inside the shoe may help reduce pressure against the ganglion cyst.

Aspiration
This technique involves draining the fluid with a needle. Aspiration often fails because the root of the cyst has not been removed.


Not Recommended – Smashing the foot cyst with a book