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What Are Ganglions?
A ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon. Although ganglions can form on any part of the foot, they most often appear on the ankle or top of the foot. Ganglions tend to change in size, and are usually slow-growing. |
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Causes
Repeated irritation can weaken the lining of a joint or tendon and lead to ganglions. People who wear boots are more vulnerable to ganglions, as this type of footwear puts stress on the foot and ankle. Bone spurs (bony outgrowths) may also cause ganglions by irritating the joints and tendons. |
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Symptoms
Ganglions often form with no symptoms. However, if the ganglion puts pressure on the nerves in the overlying skin, it can cause tingling, numbness, or pain. Ganglions sometimes swell, and their size can change with different activities or a change in weather.Because ganglions are sometimes mistaken for tumors, it is important to have a complete examination, and tests to confirm the diagnosis. Your physician may need to determine facts such as how long you have had the ganglion, what kind of symptoms you are experiencing, has the ganglion changed in size, and does its size vary according to your activities? Usually you can see through a ganglion but not through a tumor. |
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Treatment
Ganglions are often difficult to treat without surgery, but non-surgical methods may be helpful in relieving some of your symptoms. Pads placed around the ganglion can ease pressure and friction. Fluid removal may also relieve symptoms, although ganglions may recur. Limiting movements or activities that increase pain may bring relief. Putting ice on the area of the ganglion for 15-20 minutes may temporarily relieve inflammation and pain. If your inflammation is severe, your physician may treat your symptoms with medication.If a bone spur is suspected, x-rays may be needed. Fluid removal (needle aspiration) may be performed to determine the degree of swelling, and to decrease pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of a ganglion. This will reveal the images of both soft tissue and bone. Sometimes, special dyes may be injected into the area to show the outline of a ganglion. If a ganglion is causing ongoing or severe pain, your physician may recommend surgery. The entire ganglion wall is removed during the procedure, some additional surrounding tissue may also be removed. After surgery, you may feel pain, swelling, numbness or tingling for several weeks. You will probably be able to walk soon afterward, although your foot may need to be wrapped, or in a cast. Although surgery is usually successful, there is a chance that the ganglion will recur. |
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