Ganglion cysts: causes symptoms and relief strategies
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that most commonly appear on the back of your wrist or hand. However, they can also develop on other joints, including the ankles and feet. These painless lumps are usually harmless, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or limit movement. While the exact cause of ganglions remains unknown, they are not cancerous and can often be treated conservatively.
This article explores everything you need to know about ganglions, including their causes, symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek professional help from a foot and ankle specialist.
Causes of Ganglions
The exact cause of ganglions is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
- Repetitive Strain: Repetitive movements of the wrist, hand, ankle, or foot can irritate the tissues surrounding joints and tendons, potentially leading to ganglion formation.
- Underlying Arthritis: Existing arthritis in the affected joint may increase the risk of developing ganglions.
- Injury: Trauma to the wrist, hand, ankle, or foot, even minor injuries, may contribute to ganglion formation.
Symptoms of Ganglions
The most common symptom of a ganglion is a painless lump. These lumps are typically firm and mobile, meaning you can move them slightly under the skin. While often found on the back of the wrist or hand, they can also appear on the top of the foot, near the ankle joint, or even on the toes.
In some cases, however, ganglions can cause additional symptoms, such as:
- Pain or tenderness, especially when pressing on the lump
- Weakness or stiffness in the affected joint
- Numbness or tingling if the ganglion presses on a nerve
Treatment Options for Ganglions
The good news is that many ganglions don't require any treatment, especially if they are painless and don't cause any limitations in movement. However, if a ganglion is causing you discomfort or interfering with your daily activities, several treatment options are available:
- Observation: Often, the recommended approach is simply monitoring the ganglion. In some cases, ganglions may shrink or disappear on their own over time.
- Immobilization: Wearing a splint or brace on the affected joint can help reduce irritation and inflammation around the ganglion, potentially promoting its disappearance.
- Aspiration: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a needle into the ganglion to remove the fluid. Aspiration is often successful, but there is a risk of the ganglion recurring.
- Surgery: In rare cases, if the ganglion is large, causes significant pain, or recurs after aspiration, surgery may be recommended to remove the cyst.
When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist
If you notice a lump on your wrist, hand, ankle, or foot, it's always best to consult a foot and ankle specialist for proper diagnosis. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds to confirm the presence of a ganglion and rule out other causes for the lump.
Here are some specific instances where seeking professional help is crucial:
- The lump is rapidly growing or causing significant pain.
- You experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in your extremities.
- The ganglion recurs after aspiration.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of these conditions is crucial for seeking timely medical attention. Mr Francesc Malagelada is dedicated to diagnosing and treating various foot and ankle conditions, providing personalised treatment plans to address your specific needs and help you get back on your feet comfortably. Contact us and book an appointment today!
Also have a look at our foot and ankle treatments page to read about the many conditions that can affect their function and learn more about the best available solutions. Our blog is also a great place if you’d like to stay updated on the latest orthopaedic news.
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician for personalised guidance. In case of a medical emergency, contact your doctor or emergency services.