What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a swollen fluid filled sac that starts from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. “Ganglion” means “knot” and describes the knot-like bump that forms just under the surface of the skin. Ganglion cysts most often occur on the top of the foot and on the ankle as well. Ganglion cysts change in size, and usually grow very slowly and may get smaller and larger, and could possibly even vanish altogether, only to show up again later.
What Causes a Ganglion Cyst?
Repeated irritation may weaken the lining of a tendon or joint. People who wear boots are at a higher risk.
Symptoms
Most often a ganglion cyst forms without any symptoms. If the Ganglion puts pressure on the nerves you may have a tingling sensation, pain or loss of feeling. The weather change may also have an affect on your ganglion cyst.
How are Ganglions Diagnosed?
Ganglions are sometimes misdiagnosed as tumors, it is very important to have an examination and most likely run some tests to be most accurate.
Your podiatrist will ask you some general questions about the length of time, size and symptoms of your cyst. Your podiatrist may shine a light through the cyst. Usually you can see through a cyst and not a tumor. When the podiatrist puts pressure on the cyst it will feel squishy and the liquid will move back and forth.
Fluid extraction may be done to help decrease the swelling and pain. The podiatrist may order an MRI to reveal the soft-tissue.
Treatment
Ganglions are sometimes hard to treat without having surgery but there are some alternative measures you can take. You can ease the pressure and the friction by placing pads around the area. Change your footwear. You can have your podiatrist aspirate the ganglion, however they may come back. Try icing the area. If you do have a lot of inflammation your podiatrist may order you a prescription.