Have you ever noticed a soft, squishy bump on your hands or feet? Most commonly these can be a condition called ganglion cysts. These are a very common condition that can cause discomfort and pain when they appear, or be totally painless. They are lumps that form along the tendons or joints in the foot and are typically filled with a clear, jelly-like fluid, and can range in size from a pea to a golf ball. Thankfully they are usually not too much of a cause for concern and are non-cancerous. The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but they are believed to develop from small tears or weak spots in the tendon, joint capsule or even nerve sheaths.
The most common areas for a ganglion cyst to occur on the foot are:
- On the top of the foot – due to rubbing in shoes, ganglion cysts often develop on the top of the midfoot or near the ankle. This is especially common in people with high arch feet.
- On the bottom of the foot – these cysts tend to be located near the toes or midfoot
- Near the ankle – these usually occur on the front or sides of the ankle joint
Who gets ganglion cysts?
The exact prevalence of ganglion cysts is not well established, however we know they are quite common. They tend to occur more frequently in women than men, and in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. Additionally, people who frequently perform activities that place repetitive stress on the feet, such as athletes or dancers, may be at a higher risk of developing ganglion cysts.
What treatments are available?
If there is no pain associated with your cyst:
- Often no treatment is needed! The cyst may resolve on its own.
If it is painful or especially large:
- Cyst drainage and/or corticosteroid injection – these treatments can be performed in office however the chance of it returning is moderately high
- Shoe modifications can be made to accommodate the cyst
- Orthotics and padding can be helpful to offload the cyst depending on the location
- Surgical removal can be performed but again, there is a chance of recurrence
If you are concerned about a lump on your foot it is best to see a chiropodist to have it checked out. Call now to book an appointment and speak with one of our foot specialists!
