A ganglion is a common condition where a fluid-filled sac, or cyst, develops near the tendons or joints of wrists, hands, ankles, and feet. About 200,000 ganglion cysts are diagnosed each year and the cause is unknown, though irritation of the nerves and tendons is thought to play a role.
Ganglions are generally painless, though they can sometimes cause pain or discomfort if they become too large or are close enough to a nerve to cause irritation. While ganglion cysts will often resolve on their own after a few months, treatment may be required if the cyst is large, troublesome, or causing pain. Ganglions that develop on the feet or ankles are more likely to be troublesome, as their location and size may interfere with footwear or activities.
Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a somewhat common condition, with approximately 200,000 diagnosed each year. This non-cancerous growth appears as a lump under the skin and should be examined by a medical doctor to confirm that it is not a tumor. Ganglion cysts are not tumors. Rather they are fluid-filled sacs that develop under the skin, generally near tendons or joints.
Ganglion cysts most commonly develop on the hands or wrists, but may also develop on the feet or ankles. A ganglion cyst is generally oval in shape and filled with fluid, which may feel like jelly under the skin. Most ganglion cysts are small, pea-sized to about 2.5 centimeters and generally painless.
Ganglion cysts that develop close to a joint can cause pain or interfere with the joint movement. If the cyst presses on a nerve, the condition can be quite painful. If the cysts are not painful and don’t interfere with movement, no treatment may be necessary, as the cyst will resolve on its own after several months.
Diagnosis of a ganglion cyst is important to rule out cancer or other, more dangerous, conditions. If you are experiencing a lump under the skin on your feet or ankles, Dr. Kleis will perform a complete evaluation, including medical history, x-rays, and testing, if needed. Once a ganglion cyst has been diagnosed, Dr. Kleis can advise you on the proper course of action. If treatment is required, Dr. Kleis can treat a ganglion cyst in his office, using the latest technology.
For an evaluation of a ganglion cyst and recommended treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis today by calling (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst appears as a lump under the skin and can be concerning to the patient, as it may appear to resemble a tumor or cancerous growth. Examination and testing are necessary to determine whether a lump under the skin is a tumor or simply a ganglion cyst.
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop near tendons or joints. The cause is unknown but is thought to be caused by the irritation of the nerves or tendons. A ganglion cyst is generally oval in shape and filled with fluid, which may feel like jelly under the skin. Most ganglion cysts are small, pea-sized to about 2.5 centimeters and generally painless.
Ganglion cysts that develop close to a joint can cause pain or interfere with the joint movement. If the cyst presses on a nerve, the condition can be quite painful. If the cysts are not painful and don’t interfere with movement, no treatment may be necessary, as the cyst will resolve on its own after several months.
What Causes a Ganglion Cyst?
The exact cause of a ganglion cyst is unknown, though it is thought to have to do with irritation of the nerves or tendons. Ganglion cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that always develop near the tendons or joints of the hands, wrists, feet, or ankles. The sacs themselves are generally painless but may be located in places that make movement difficult or create pressure on a nerve that can be extremely painful.
Though ganglion cysts are generally benign and will resolve on their own after several months, diagnosis is required to rule out cancerous or non-cancerous tumors that may require immediate medical intervention.
Are Ganglion Cysts Dangerous?
Ganglion cysts are not dangerous. However, it can be difficult to tell whether a lump under the skin is a ganglion cyst or a cancerous tumor. Only a doctor can diagnose a ganglion cyst and rule out a more serious diagnosis.
If you are experiencing a new lump under the skin on your feet or ankles, Dr. Kleis can determine the cause and appropriate treatment. A thorough examination, medical history, x-rays, and testing may be required to rule out cancer and other causes for the lump under your skin. Once a ganglion cyst has been diagnosed, Dr. Kleis can advise you on the appropriate course of action.
For an evaluation of your ganglion cyst, call Dr. Kleis (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Do Ganglion Cysts Go Away?
Ganglion cysts will generally resolve on their own, without medical intervention. This process may take months, however. If a ganglion cyst is uncomfortable or interfering with movement, the cyst can be drained or treated for immediate relief.
Any lump under the skin should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out cancer or other, more serious, causes.
If you are experiencing a new lump under the skin on your feet or ankles, Dr. Kleis can determine the cause and appropriate treatment. A thorough examination, medical history, x-rays, and testing may be required to rule out cancer and other causes for the lump under your skin. Once a ganglion cyst has been diagnosed, Dr. Kleis can advise you on the appropriate course of action.
For an evaluation, call Dr. Kleis (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Ganglion Cyst on the Foot
Ganglion cysts may form on the top, bottom, or near the ankle of the foot. These non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs are not dangerous, however, they may cause discomfort or pain, especially when they are located on the feet. When a person has a ganglion cyst on their foot, wearing shoes may become difficult or painful. The location of the ganglion cyst may interfere with joint movement. In these cases, treatment is available for relief from a ganglion cyst.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 years of experience treating all disorders of the feet and ankles. Dr. Kleis will perform a complete evaluation of the lump under the skin of your foot or ankle to rule out cancer and other causes. Once a ganglion cyst has been diagnosed, Dr. Kleis can treat the cyst or advise you on the appropriate course of action.
For a ganglion cyst on the foot, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Ganglion Cyst on the Ankle
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form near the tendons or joints of the hands, wrists, feet, or ankles. While benign, these small sacs of fluid can cause trouble when they form near joints, press on nerves, or interfere with regular movement. Any lump under the skin requires evaluation by a medical professional to rule out cancer or other causes.
When ganglion cysts form on or near the ankle, they may become bothersome by interfering with the joint movement of the ankles. If the cyst is large enough, it may interfere with appropriate shoe wear or cause pain by pressing on nearby nerves.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 years of experience treating all disorders of the feet and ankles. Dr. Kleis will perform a complete evaluation of the lump under the skin of your foot or ankle to rule out cancer and other causes. Once a ganglion cyst has been diagnosed, Dr. Kleis can treat the cyst or advise you on the appropriate course of action.
For a ganglion cyst on the ankle, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Ganglion Cyst Treatment
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is an award-winning podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 years of experience in treating all manner of foot and ankle disorders, including ganglion cysts. After a complete examination and diagnoses of a ganglion cyst, Dr. Kleis will recommend a course of treatment that may include waiting for the cyst to resolve on its own, immobilization to prevent further irritation, draining of the cyst, or surgery, if all other treatment options have failed to provide relief.
For evaluation and treatment of a ganglion cyst, call Dr. Kleis (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Ganglion Cyst Removal
Ganglion cysts will typically resolve on their own after several months. However, if the cyst is large, it may interfere with joint movement or the comfortable wearing of shoes. If the cyst presses on a nerve, the condition can become quite painful. When the ganglion cyst is painful or interferes with everyday activities, removal may become necessary.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 years of experience treating all disorders of the feet and ankles. Dr. Kleis will perform a complete evaluation of the lump under the skin of your foot or ankle to rule out cancer and other causes. Once a ganglion cyst has been diagnosed, Dr. Kleis can treat the cyst or advise you on the appropriate course of action.
For a ganglion cyst on the foot or ankle, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Ganglion Cyst Foot Treatment
Many times, ganglion cysts require no treatment and will typically resolve on their own after several months. However, if the cyst is large, it may interfere with joint movement or the comfortable wearing of shoes. If the cyst presses on a nerve, the condition can become quite painful. When the ganglion cyst is painful or interferes with everyday activities, removal may become necessary.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 years of experience treating all disorders of the feet and ankles. Dr. Kleis will perform a complete evaluation of the lump under the skin of your foot or ankle to rule out cancer and other causes. Once a ganglion cyst has been diagnosed, Dr. Kleis can treat the cyst or advise you on the appropriate course of action.
For a ganglion cyst on the foot or ankle, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.