Foot Ganglion

A small, usually hard nodule lying directly over a tendon or a joint capsule on the top or bottom of the foot. Occasionally the,nodule may become quite large. Sometimes a foot ganglion may regress and disappear altogether, only to reappear later.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Top or sole of the foot.
• Tendon sheath (a thin membranous covering to any tendon).
• Any of many joint spaces in the foot.

Causes

• Mild or chronic sprains in a foot joint, causing weakness of the joint capsule.
• Defect in the fibrous sheath of the joint or tendon, permitting part of the underlying synovium (thin membrane that lines the tendon sheath) to protrude through. Irritation of the protruding synovium causes it to fill with fluid. Continued irritation makes it enlarge and harden, forming the ganglion.

Signs & Symptoms

• Hard lump over a tendon or joint capsule in the foot. The nodule "yields" to heavy pressure because it is not solid.
• No pain usually, but overuse of the foot may cause mild pain and aching.
• Tenderness if the lump is pressed hard.
• Discomfort with extremes of motion (flexing or extending) and with repetition of the exercise that produced the ganglion.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination as well as such imaging studies as x ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fluid may be withdrawn from the cyst and evaluated.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

Immediately after surgery

• The affected area is usually immobilized in a splint for 1 to 2 weeks following surgery.
• If the wound bleeds during the first 24 hours after surgery, press a clean tissue or cloth to it for 10 minutes.
• A hard ridge should form along the incision.As it heals the ridge will recede gradually.Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp, or warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash incision gently with mild unscented soap.
• Between baths, keep the wound dry with a bandage the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. If a bandage gets wet, change it promptly.
• Apply non-prescription antibiotic ointment to the wound before applying new bandages.
• Wrap the foot with an elasticized bandage until heating is complete.

After the incision has healed:

• Use an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day.Wrap ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a moist towel. Place it over the injured area for 20 minutes at a time.
• You may apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.

Home Diet

During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• Build your strength in a long-term conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Exercises that increase muscle strength and flexibility can prevent ganglions.