Ganglions

A ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon. Although ganglions can form on any part of the foot, they most often appear on the ankle or top of the foot.
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Ganglions

Ganglions

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Table of Contents

What Are Ganglions?

A ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon. Although ganglions can form on any part of the foot, they most often appear on the ankle or top of the foot. Ganglions tend to change in size and usually grow slowly.

Causes

Repeated irritation can weaken the lining of a joint or tendon and lead to ganglions. People who wear boots are more vulnerable to ganglions, as this type of footwear puts stress on the foot and ankle. Bone spurs (bony outgrowths) may also cause ganglions by irritating the joints and tendons.

Symptoms

Ganglions often form with no symptoms. But if the ganglion puts pressure on the nerves in the overlying skin, it can cause tingling, numbness, or pain. Ganglions sometimes swell and their size can change with different activities or a change in weather.

How Are Ganglions Diagnosed?

Because ganglions are sometimes mistaken for tumors, it’s important to have a complete examination and, possibly, tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Medical History

Your podiatrist asks you questions such as how long you’ve had the ganglion, what kinds of symptoms you’re feeling, if it has changed in size, or if its size varies according to your activities.

Your Physical Exam

During your evaluation, your podiatrist may do a translumination exam, shining a light through the swelling (usually, you can see through a ganglion, but not through a tumor). When your foot is palpated (pressed), a ganglion feels spongy and the fluid moves from side to side.

Testing

If a bone spur is suspected, x-rays may be needed. Fluid removal (needle aspiration) may be done to help determine the degree of swelling and to decrease pain. To confirm a ganglion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done, which reveals images of soft tissue and bone. Sometimes, special dyes may be injected into the area to show the outline of the ganglion.

Fluid withdrawn from the ganglion may reveal the severity of the swelling and decrease pain.

How Are Ganglions Treated?

Ganglions are often difficult to treat without surgery—but nonsurgical methods may be helpful in relieving some of your symptoms.

Nonsurgical Care

Pads placed around the ganglion can ease pressure and friction. Fluid removal may also relieve symptoms, through ganglions may recur.
Limiting movements or activities that increase pain may bring relief. Icing the ganglion for 15-20 minutes may temporarily relieve inflammation and pain.

If your inflammation is severe, your podiatrist may treat your symptoms with medication.

Will I Need Surgery?

If a ganglion is causing ongoing or severe pain, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. The entire ganglion wall is removed during the procedure; some surrounding tissue may also be removed.

After Surgery

You may feel pain, swelling, numbness, or tingling for several weeks following surgery. You’ll probably be able to walk soon afterward, though your foot may need to be wrapped or in a cast. Be sure to see your podiatrist if you notice any problems in the future. Although surgery is usually successful, there is a chance that the ganglion will recur.

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