Ganglion Cyst
Removal on the Foot
in New York City
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are lumps or bumps that develop on the top or bottom of the foot or ankle. While these are cosmetically undesirable, they are often harmless and not cancerous.
In some cases, depending on the location, they can become painful and may interfere with function. For these reasons, some individuals choose to have them drained or surgically removed.
Ganglion Cyst
What Causes Ganglion Cysts?
If fluid leaks from a joint or tendon tunnel in the foot or ankle, swelling can occur beneath the skin, and while the exact cause of these leaks is usually unknown, they can be caused by trauma or arthritis.
Chelsea Foot and Ankle in New York City provides effective options to treat ganglion cysts on the foot or ankle.
How Do I Know if I Have a Ganglion Cyst?
Ganglion cysts of the foot typically occur at the top of the foot or around the ankle. These cysts are filled with synovial fluid and are connected to a joint or lining of a tendon by a stalk-like structure.
Typically, ganglion cysts appear as round or oval lumps. They are usually movable within the soft tissues, like moving a marble under the skin.
Symptoms of a ganglion cyst include:
- A soft bump that doesn’t move but may change in size.
- Swelling on the foot or ankle that appears suddenly or over time. It may change size or disappear only to return later.
Why Choose Chelsea Foot and Ankle To Treat Your Ganglion Cyst?
Our team respects our patients and values their time. You can depend on our doctors to listen carefully to your concerns and create a customized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Choosing Chelsea Foot and Ankle as your provider means you can expect to be treated like family and the VIP you are. Because of our commitment to our patients, we offer comprehensive care at reasonable prices with a friendly staff who are ready to help with any questions or billing issues.
What Are Your Non-surgical Ganglion Cyst Treatment Options?
Before surgically removing cysts, the doctors at Chelsea Foot and Ankle may make the following recommendations:
- Wait and see – Most ganglion cysts cause no symptoms, and half of them resolve on their own. Doctors often suggest waiting to treat small cysts that are not symptomatic.
- Splinting – Limiting movement may prevent the cyst from growing.
- Shoe modifications – Wearing shoes that don’t rub against the cyst and padding the inside of the shoe can reduce pressure on the cyst.
- Aspiration – Your doctor may use a needle to aspirate or drain fluid from the cyst. However, the thickness of this fluid makes it difficult to remove entirely, and because the cyst structure is left in place, they often recur.
What if You Need Surgery for Your Ganglion Cyst?
Surgery may be recommended for a number of reasons:
- Cosmetic concerns – Many patients choose surgery for cosmetic reasons.
- Pain – Those with painful ganglion cysts often choose surgery to alleviate pain.
- Mobility issues – Ganglion cysts on the foot or ankle can sometimes interfere with mobility, leading the patient to choose surgery.
Surgery for ganglion cyst removal is typically performed on an outpatient basis and may involve traditional surgical methods or arthroscopy.
During arthroscopic surgery, small incisions are made to allow surgical tools and a tiny camera to be inserted into the joint. With this technique, surgeons can make the surgery less invasive and leave minimal scarring.
Like any surgical procedure, surgery for ganglion cyst removal has risks, including:
- Failure to reduce pain
- Recurrence
- Loss of strength
- Loss of joint mobility
- Infection
- Neuroma
- Injury to the median nerve
- Injury to the radial artery
- Thick scar
Our surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in removing ganglion cysts on the feet and ankles and are committed to excellence.
Ultimately, after being fully informed by our surgeon, it is up to you to decide on any surgical treatment option. We respect your autonomy and we always encourage our patients to obtain a second opinion before committing to any surgery.
What Is Recovery From Ganglion Cyst Removal Surgery Like?
Following ganglion cyst removal, your doctor will prescribe any medication needed for pain or may recommend over-the-counter pain medications. Using ice packs and keeping your foot elevated can also help with discomfort.
In some cases, you will need to wear a splint after surgery. Otherwise, gentle movements can ease discomfort.
Recovery time usually lasts between two to six weeks and will depend mainly on the extent of your surgery and compliance with aftercare instructions. Minor swelling at the incision site can persist for two to three months.
While surgery to remove ganglion cysts is usually a permanent solution and more effective than other treatments, they can reoccur.
How Can You Prevent Ganglion Cysts?
While it’s hard to predict who will develop a ganglion cyst, these tips may help you avoid them.
- Don’t smoke
- Allow your feet to rest after prolonged exertion
- Stretch your ankles, feet, and toes regularly
New York City Ganglion Cyst Treatment
You can trust the doctors at Chelsea Foot and Ankle to take your concerns seriously, diagnose your condition, and create an appropriate treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
We also treat the following conditions:
Are you interested In healing your Ganglion Cysts?
If you are seeking treatment for ganglion cysts of the foot in New York City, call our office today at (646) 929-4149! Don’t forget to check out our blog to learn more about us!
Our Patients Love Us
An absolutely amazing experience. Dr. Ciment is an absolutely wonderful person – it is very evident that he truly cares about his patients.
What a pleasure to meet Dr. Shastri. She was extremely personable, listened intently and actually was able to treat my condition to a fair extent in the first sitting.
Highly recommend her.