Ankle Ganglion Cyst Treatment Q&A

Often, ganglion cysts do not cause pain and don’t require treatment. There is a possibility that your doctor will suggest a wait-and-see approach. Your doctor may recommend a variety of options if the cyst causes pain or hinders joint movement
In order to prevent the ganglion cyst from growing larger, a brace or splint may provide temporary immobilization. It is possible that your nerves will be relieved of pain as the cyst shrinks, allowing it to release pressure on them. Braces and splints should not be used long-term, as they can weaken the muscles around them.

Cysts are drained using an aspiration procedure, during which a needle is used to draw fluid out of them. It is possible for the cyst to recur.

In the event that other approaches haven’t proven effective, surgery may be a viable option. The doctor removes the cyst and the stalk that attaches it to the joint or tendon during this procedure. In rare instances, nerves, blood vessels, or tendons can be injured during surgery. It is possible for the cyst to recur, even after surgery.

A ganglion cyst is a round, liquid-filled growth that develops along a joint or tendon. Additionally, they can grow up to an inch in diameter, causing pain and pressure on surrounding nerves. Recurrence of Ganglion cysts is also possible in rare cases.

It is unknown what causes ganglion cysts. Trauma or repeated irrigation can cause the surrounding tissue to become displaced and result in their formation. On the top of the foot or ankle, this displacement of tissue causes a round lump to form. The formation of ganglion cysts may also occur in those who suffer from arthritis and bone spurs. Several theories suggest that joint cysts are caused by trauma or a flaw in the capsule or sheath of the joint.

There are several benign soft-tissue masses that can appear in the body, such as ganglion cysts. These conditions often develop on the wrist, but they can also occur on the foot, usually on the top, but also elsewhere. The size of ganglion cysts may vary, get smaller and larger, or disappear entirely, only to return in the future.

If the cyst doesn’t disappear on its own you may visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may apply pressure to the cyst to determine whether it is tender or uncomfortable during the physical exam. In order to determine whether the cyst is filled with fluid or a solid mass, the doctor may shine a light through it. To rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or a tumor, your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound can also locate cysts that are hidden (occult). Aspiration, which involves drawing out the cyst’s fluid with a needle and syringe, may confirm the diagnosis of ganglion cysts. Once the nature of the cyst has been determined, treatment will be administered as needed.

Cysts called ganglion cysts develop on the outside of joints, tendons, or other parts of the body, such as the hands or knees. Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled, benign tumors. Under the skin, these cysts appear as small sacs filled with a clear, jellylike substance, which may feel firm to the touch or spongy to the touch. The ankle, toe, wrist, finger, knee, and other joints can develop ganglion cysts, which are small (1-3 cm) raised bumps. Upon shining light through these small, noncancerous tumors, a thick, clear, sticky material can be seen.

A ganglion cyst may appear suddenly or develop over time. Symptoms often include visible lumps as well as pain when using the affected joint and an increase in cyst size during activity and a decrease during rest. There are, however, some ganglion cysts that cause no pain at all.

Ankle ganglion cyst treatment is available at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates. We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Pittsburg CA, Concord CA, Antioch CA, Alamo CA, Danville CA, and Oakley CA.