A lump on your ankle or foot is obviously concerning, but it might not be what you think. Sometimes, people develop pockets of liquid called ganglion cysts on the joints of their hands or feet. As podiatrists who offer a wide range of services, we at Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates want to help people understand why these cysts develop and what we can do to help.
Our joints and tendons are lubricated by gel that sometimes becomes displaced. Ganglion cysts usually occur when a joint suffers trauma or a degenerative condition and the tendon sheath has become frayed enough for lubricating gel to seep through and gather in a pocket. The cyst may be painful and it may be bulbous or take the form of a network of small bubbles. It may also interfere with the tendon’s function, causing weakness.
We can conduct tests to determine whether a lump is a ganglion cyst or something more serious. We may advise that a cyst be aspirated, which means we will draw out the fluid with a syringe. Patients should not attempt to do this on their own, or they will risk injury. If the cyst returns repeatedly, we may suggest removing the cyst surgically or injecting it with anti-inflammatory steroids, but tendon sheaths are usually able to heal on their own.
Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.
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