A ganglion cyst is a benign growth that can grow on the top of the foot. A cyst is an immovable fluid-filled membrane that grows just beneath the skin on a tendon, muscle, or other soft tissue. They frequently occur in groups and may come and go and change size, which can make the condition difficult to diagnose. When a nerve is affected by a ganglion cyst in the foot, you will often feel numbness and tingling extending into the toes.

Treatments for a ganglion cyst may include the following:

• Fluid removal—Your foot doctor will insert a needle into the cyst to remove the fluid.
• Steroid treatments—Once a cyst is drained or removed a steroid injection may be used to keep the cyst from returning.
• Custom orthotic inserts—These specially made inserts that fit your precise foot shape can be used to redirect pressure away from the cyst and decrease pain and discomfort.
• Surgical removal—In severe cases, the cyst will need to be surgically removed.

Always monitor odd-looking or even normal-looking growths on your feet since cancerous tumors can look like other skin conditions such as warts and moles.

It’s best to see your foot doctor to make sure you don’t have skin cancer. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.