Ganglion Cyst: Foot Pain Causes and Treatment Options

Cysts are common culprits behind foot pain. And although they can appear anywhere on the body, there are some that commonly form on the feet.

Ganglion cysts are the “feetured” cyst for this blog, as they are frequently found on the foot and can be very painful, limit activity, and cause stress if not treated properly. Below, we’ll discuss ganglion cyst causes, symptoms, and the best treatment options available to help you get back on your feet again!

What Are Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are one of the most common soft tissue lumps that form under the skin. They are filled with fluid and typically form near a joint or tendon due to micro-tears or inflammation of the tissue.

However, there are some other hidden causes and symptoms to be aware of that aren’t as obvious.

Hidden Causes and Symptoms of Foot Ganglion Cysts

Although the cause for a ganglion cyst can vary, a common cause cause is trauma to the affected area. are Ganglion cysts can also be caused by:

• Age and sex — both men and women can suffer from ganglion cysts, though women between the ages of 20 to 40 are affected the most.
• Repetitive injury to a specific joint.
• Osteoarthritis — those who suffer from this condition are more prone to developing ganglion cysts.

Some other hidden symptoms to be on the lookout for are:

• Inability to move the joint properly.
• Swelling and pain after using the joint but goes away after stopping the activity.
• Numbness in the affected area.

Sometimes, if the fluid from the cyst leaks into the joint or tendon, multiple cysts can develop, exacerbating these symptoms.

Dos and Don’ts of Foot Ganglion Cysts

If you are worried that you may have a ganglion cyst on your foot, you want to take extra care and avoid:

• Unnecessary movement of the affected area — excessive movement can cause the cyst to grow.
• Popping the cyst yourself — draining a cyst should only be done with professional care to prevent the cyst from growing back.
• Heavy objects falling onto the affected area.
• Attempting to push the cyst down or flatten it.
• Further Injuring the area through repetitive or strenuous activity.
• Wearing tight shoes that will irritate the cyst.
• Attempting any form of excision yourself.

Comparing Treatment Options for Ganglion Cyst Foot Pain

Home Treatments

The best ganglion cyst home treatment is to apply warmth to the area by using a warm compress or soaking the affected foot in a warm bath. If the pain becomes more intense, you can take over-the-counter medication, such as Advil or Aleve.

How Effective Are Home Treatments?

Both of these home remedies can help ease pain in less severe or early stages of ganglion cysts, but they aren’t always the most effective for preventing a cyst from developing further. If you notice that your cyst is getting worse, it may be time to seek professional care.

Professional Treatments

Your doctor may suggest you receive aspiration — draining of the cyst’s fluid with a needle —, surgery, or simply wearing a splint or brace to deal with the cyst.

How Effective Are Professional Treatments?

For more severe instances of ganglion cysts, professional treatment can remediate ganglion cysts the most. Though it should be noted that there are no guarantees to removing ganglion cysts entirely, professional treatment is the most medically proven method for alleviating ganglion cyst pain and further development.

Choosing the Right Podiatrist for Your Foot Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cysts should be monitored and treated by a podiatrist. But how can you find the best podiatrist to treat your foot ganglion cyst?

To find the right podiatrist for your needs, look for one that has the following qualifications, training, credentials, and specialties: 

• Certifications from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM).
• Being a member of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association.
• Achieving honors in their field of study or finishing a residency program with a podiatry focus.

Your feet deserve the utmost care and attention, so picking the right podiatrist for your pain is crucial to receive the right treatment option for your ganglion cyst.

Say Goodbye to Your Foot Pain With Foot & Ankle Group

If you’re experiencing foot pain and suspect that a ganglion cyst is the culprit, Foot & Ankle Group’s team of podiatrists are here to help you with the proper treatment options.

Schedule an appointment with Foot & Ankle Group today so we can help you put your foot down on your ganglion cyst and/or other foot pain.