How to Treat Cysts on Your Feet

Cysts are fluid-filled lumps that form under the skin or arise out of a joint. They can appear anywhere on the body, with some common places being the fingers, wrists, knees, and feet. Toe joints commonly get cysts, but you may also spot a jelly-like bump on the top of your foot. When you touch the cyst, it can feel either firm or somewhat squishy.
The case for leaving a cyst alone
Most cysts are non-cancerous and not much to worry about. We determine where the cyst originates and figure out what kind it is. We may use imaging such as MRI, ultrasound, or x-rays to diagnose a mucoid, synovial, or ganglion cyst. If the cyst has been in the same spot and remained the same size for a while and doesn’t bother you much, the best option might be to leave it alone. Some cysts clear up on their own.
The case for taking action
However, there are situations where our expert podiatrists might recommend treating a cyst:
- If we’re unable to diagnose a benign type of cyst, we may perform tests to rule out a cancerous lesion.
- The cyst is getting bigger.
- The cyst has gone away but repeatedly comes back.
- The cyst makes walking painful.
- You’re just not happy with the way it looks.
Treatment options to eliminate a cyst
Our first step might be to insert a sterile needle directly into the cyst and drain its fluid. The lump will disappear. However, there is a chance the cyst will come back. A second option is to remove the cyst and its stem with surgery. Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey and Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, can help you decide the best course of action to treat a cyst on your foot. Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties.