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Pediatric Foot Care

Cysts & Ganglions

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for foot cysts and ganglions, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Pediatric Foot Care

Understanding foot cysts and ganglions and your options.

A ganglion is a soft, fluid filled lump that grows near a joint or tendon. On the foot, it often appears on the top of the foot or near the ankle. The lump feels like a small firm bubble under the skin.

Many are painless, but some press on nerves or rub against shoes. People usually come in because they notice a lump that changes in size. Having it checked helps make sure it is what it seems.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788
Cysts & Ganglions care

Symptoms

Signs of foot cysts and ganglions.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    A round, smooth lump under the skin

  • 02

    Aching or pressure when shoes rub the spot

  • 03

    Tingling if the lump presses on a nerve

  • 04

    A lump that grows or shrinks over time

Why it happens

What can cause foot cysts and ganglions.

  • 01

    Wear and strain on a joint or tendon

  • 02

    Past injury to the area

  • 03

    Repeated stress from activity

  • 04

    Often no clear cause is found

Care groupPediatric Foot Care

Diagnosis and care

How we treat foot cysts and ganglions.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We feel the lump and check whether it moves and how firm it is. Ultrasound is useful because it can show fluid inside. An X-ray may look at nearby bones, and an MRI referral can help with deeper or unclear lumps.

Step 2 · Treatment

If a ganglion does not bother you, we may simply watch it. Shoe changes or padding can take pressure off the area. In some cases, we can drain the fluid in the office, though the lump can return. Rest and limiting repeated strain may also help. Please do not try to pop it at home.

If the cyst keeps returning or causes ongoing pain, surgery to remove it may be considered. This also removes the stalk that connects it to the joint or tendon.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

After draining, you can usually return to normal activity quickly, but the lump may come back. After surgery, expect a few weeks of healing, sometimes longer.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist for any new lump on your foot, especially if it grows, hurts, or changes color. Come in sooner if you feel numbness or the lump makes shoes hard to wear.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Pediatric Foot Care.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Is a ganglion cancer?

Ganglions are not cancer. Still, other lumps can look similar, so it is smart to have new lumps checked.

Will it go away on its own?

Some shrink or disappear, while others stay or come back. We can talk through options if it bothers you.

Get help with foot cysts and ganglions.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Cysts & Ganglions care at 15 clinics.

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