A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that grows from a joint or the sheath around a tendon. Ganglion cysts are more common on the wrist, but they also appear on the top of the foot, around the ankle and near tendons. They are not cancerous.
What it feels like
- A round or oval lump that may feel soft or firm
- A lump that changes in size, sometimes growing larger with activity
- Aching or pressure, especially in shoes
- Tingling, numbness or burning if it presses on a nearby nerve
- Sometimes no pain at all
Why it forms
The exact cause is not always clear. Ganglion cysts are linked to irritation or small tears in a joint capsule or tendon sheath, and they can follow an injury or repeated stress.
How it is diagnosed
A podiatrist can often recognize a ganglion cyst on examination. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm it, see where it connects, and rule out other lumps. Any new lump that grows quickly, feels hard and fixed, or is painful should be checked.
Treatment options
- Observation: if it is painless, it may be watched, and some cysts shrink on their own
- Shoe changes and padding to relieve pressure from laces and straps
- Aspiration: draining the fluid with a needle can relieve symptoms, but the cyst may return
- Surgery: removing the cyst along with its stalk has a lower chance of recurrence and is considered for persistent, painful or recurring cysts
Do not try to burst a cyst at home by striking or puncturing it, since that can cause injury and infection and does not prevent it from coming back.
If you notice a lump on your foot or ankle, a visit can confirm what it is and whether any treatment is needed.
Dr. Ajdari sees patients in Metairie on the Southshore and in Slidell on the Northshore, serving the Greater New Orleans area. Request an appointment or call 985-326-8614.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an examination and advice from a qualified clinician. Treatment recommendations depend on your individual situation. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.