A painless lump on your foot or ankle that develops after an injury may be a ganglion cyst. If the cyst grows too large or presses on a nerve, the team at C&S Foot and Ankle can help. Scott Norris, DPM, and Camille Christensen, DPM, offer conservative and surgical solutions to treat bothersome ganglion cysts. The team customizes a care plan to your unique needs to relieve your discomfort and prevent additional complications a large cyst can cause. Call the office in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, to schedule a consultation for a ganglion cyst or book an appointment online today.

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What is a ganglion cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous lump that forms along the tendons or joints of your ankles and feet. This type of cyst is also common in the hands and wrist.

Many ganglion cysts are pea-sized, but they can grow larger. Cysts can be round or oval and contain a jelly-like fluid in the center.

The underlying cause of a ganglion cyst isn’t well understood. However, you may be at increased risk for developing one after an injury to your tendon or joint or if you have osteoarthritis.

When should I seek treatment for a ganglion cyst?

You can schedule a diagnostic evaluation at C&S Foot and Ankle if you have a noticeable lump on your ankle or foot that bothers you.

While many cysts are painless, some can press on surrounding nerves and cause symptoms like:

  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Muscle weakness

The foot and ankle specialists offer physical exams in-office to assess the cyst and determine if you need treatment. The team may also request an ultrasound or other imaging test to identify other conditions that may contribute to your symptoms.

In some cases, the team may insert a needle into the cyst to remove (aspirate) some of the fluid for further evaluation.

How is a ganglion cyst treated?

Initially, you may not need treatment for a ganglion cyst unless it becomes large, affects your mobility, or causes painful symptoms. The C&S Foot and Ankle team may continue to monitor the growth over time before moving forward with treatment.

If you have a large or painful ganglion cyst, your provider may take a conservative approach and aspirate the growth again to remove more fluid so the cyst shrinks.

When aspiration isn’t working well, the team may recommend surgery to remove a bump or mass on your foot or ankle. They use surgical techniques to break the attachment between the cyst and the tendon or joint, so they can remove the entire cyst.

There is a risk of the cyst returning after an aspiration procedure or surgery. The team can continue to follow your progress after treatment to determine if you need additional care.

Call C&S Foot and Ankle to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for a large or painful ganglion cyst, or book an appointment online today.