A ganglion cyst is a growth that sometimes produces small bumps on the top of your foot as a telltale sign. These fluid-filled sacs grow on a tendon, ligament, or muscle and may occur in clusters.

The fluid is thick and the cysts don’t have much movement to them, but they can hide under a layer of skin making them hard to detect. When a ganglion cyst is found growing on a nerve, it can cause a tingling and numbing sensation in your toes.

Some treatments for ganglion cysts include the following:

  • Removal of the fluid in the cyst—A hypodermic needle is used to extract the fluid from the cyst. A steroid solution is then injected to help prevent the cyst from growing back.
  • Wearing custom orthotic shoe insertsIndividually-designed orthotic inserts can be used to divert stress and pressure away from the cyst area to allow healing to occur.

Since ganglion cysts are not always painful, they may not cause any significant problems for you and not require much treatment. Painful ganglion cysts that do not respond well to conservative treatments may require a more aggressive approach.

If you think you may have a ganglion cyst, see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. At Podiatry Center of New Jersey, Dr. Russell Samofal and Dr. Dolan Chowdhury treat a variety of conditions including sports injuries, diabetic foot problems, pediatric foot conditions, toe deformities, arthritis, nail fungus, arch problems and heel pain. Equipped with advanced technologies and a dedicated staff, Podiatry Center of New Jersey provides individualized high-quality care for patients all across Morris, Passaic, Bergen and Essex counties. For all your foot and ankle problems, contact our Wayne office at (973) 925-4111 for an appointment.