If you’re dealing with a foot cyst, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of this strange bump that might have appeared without warning. Luckily, treatment for foot cysts aren’t as complicated as you may think. Dr. Jeffrey Muroff, our expert podiatrist near Bohemia, can provide you with fast and effective care for any foot cysts you might be experiencing.
Types of Foot Cysts
One of the most common kinds of foot cysts is a ganglion cyst. Most commonly found in women who are between 25 and 45 years of age, ganglion cysts often appear around the ankle. These tend to be soft and stationary and often appear without warning.
Usually, ganglions are relatively painless until they are put under pressure from a shoe, at which point the cyst can become irritated. Ganglions can also result in tingling, especially in your toes. Ganglions might also cause discomfort if they are interacting with one of your joints, tendons, or nerves.
There are many other kinds of cysts you might be experiencing. Mucoid cysts are similar to ganglions and tend to appear around the toes. You could also be experiencing an inclusion cyst or a sebaceous cyst. These are similar, with an inclusion growing just below your skin, and a sebaceous occurring in the oil glands of your skin.
Another uncomfortable cyst you might be dealing with is what’s called a plantar fibroma. These knot-like cysts occur in the tissue that runs throughout your foot, and they can sometimes feel like a pebble that has been caught in your shoe.
How to Diagnose It
Diagnosing a cyst is a fairly simple procedure at Dr. Muroff’s office. When you come in for your checkup with our podiatrist near Bohemia, he will determine whether or not your cyst is serious, and if it is filled with fluid. He may also use tests like X-rays or ultrasounds just to be sure that no other conditions are involved.
Ganglion cysts, in particular, can be diagnosed with aspiration, a technique where a syringe is used to withdraw the fluid from your cyst. Diagnosis is usually a simple and painless process.
How to Treat It
Attempting to treat the cyst yourself is not recommended. Most home treatments for cysts have not been found to get rid of cysts and can often lead to injury and foot damage. It is important to see Dr. Muroff about your cyst, instead. If it is not causing you pain, our doctor may not treat it immediately because some cysts can disappear on their own.
Our doctor may also immobilize your foot temporarily using a splint or brace. This is done in order to keep the cyst from getting any bigger. This is usually a short-term solution because long-term immobilization will weaken muscles, causing other health problems. Depending on the type of cyst, your doctor may also recommend orthotics for your shoes or medication.
If these techniques are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery. In these surgeries, the cyst is removed, as well as the stalk that is linking the cyst to a joint or tendon. After a surgery, the cyst rarely reappears.
Contact us!
If you’re worried about a cyst, come in for an appointment! Dr. Muroff, our podiatrist near Bohemia, can bring you quality foot care and long-lasting relief.
