Ganglion cysts are round or oval non-cancerous lumps filled with a jellylike fluid that most commonly develop along a tendon near a joint in your ankle or foot. Ganglion cysts can range in size from the diameter of a pea to a large-sized grape.
They can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness if they interfere with joint movement or press against a nearby nerve.
A ganglion cyst forms within the lining of a tendon-like a balloon full of thick lubricating fluid (similar to the fluid found in joints), to protect the tendon from irritation as it passes over a joint.
In many cases, ganglion cysts will diminish in size and resolve on their own. If you have no symptoms, no treatment is necessary. However, if your ganglion cyst is causing you trouble, our Doctors at Gotham Footcare, may suggest trying to drain the cyst with a needle and then administer a cortisone injection to decrease the inflammation surrounding the affected area. In some cases, surgically removing the cyst may be necessary with simple excision of the cyst. This procedure can be done outpatient with minimal to no downtime.