What's a ganglion cyst?
Ganglion cysts (also called Bible cysts) are harmless cysts that make up half of all soft tissue tumors.
These fluid-filled sacs usually appear as visible lumps around joints, tendons, or ligaments. The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but the most likely theory involves a defect in the joint capsule or tendon sheath that causes the joint tissue to bulge out.
Ganglion cysts are common in the feet and hands—particularly on the palm side of the wrist, the base or tip joint of a finger, the toes, and the heel.
What are the risk factors for ganglion cysts?
While the exact cause of ganglion cysts isn’t known, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing them.
- Age: Ganglion cysts rarely occur in children under 10 and are most common between the ages of 15 and 40.
- Sex: These cysts are more common in women than in men.
- Osteoarthritis: Ganglion cysts often occur near joints affected by arthritis.
- Injury: Injured tendons or joints are more likely to develop these cysts.
- Overuse: Gymnasts have a higher incidence of ganglion cysts due to the repetitive stress and use of their joints.
What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst?
The development of ganglion cysts can be rapid or gradual, occurring over several years. They may shrink, grow larger, or even come and go. These cysts aren’t painful but can be uncomfortable depending on their location.
Other symptoms of a ganglion cyst include:
- Pain or burning sensation if the cyst compresses a nerve or joint.
- Limited range of motion if the cyst is pressing against a joint or tendon.
- Skin irritation above the cyst.
- Wearing shoes can be painful depending on the size of the cyst.
How are ganglion cysts diagnosed?
Dr. Bob Baravarian will start with a physical exam and inquire about your symptoms. The doctor might shine a light through the lump to determine if the cyst is fluid-filled or solid.
Additional testing might include analyzing the ganglionic fluid, using imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound to assess damage to nearby areas, or performing an MRI to examine the tendons and soft tissues. After Dr. Bob thoroughly evaluates the cyst, he can develop a treatment plan.
Are there non-surgical treatments for ganglion cysts?
Dr. Baravarian prefers conservative treatment options whenever possible. If the cyst is small and not causing pain, we’ll likely adopt a watch-and-wait approach, asking you to return to the office to monitor the cyst’s condition.
If there is pain, limited motion, or difficulty wearing shoes, he has non-surgical options to relieve the pain. A splint and anti-inflammatory medications can reduce the pain and hold the joint in place while the cyst heals.
For a more direct ganglion cyst treatment, he can use aspiration (drainage) to remove the fluid from the cyst. There is a 30-50% cure rate with this procedure.
Ganglionectomy: ganglion cyst surgery
If non-surgical options do not relieve your discomfort or the cyst returns, you can consider ganglion cyst removal. Surgery is minimally invasive, using arthroscopy, where Dr. Bob views the area with a small camera inserted through a tiny incision.
The surgical procedure involves removing the cyst and a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath. Surgical treatment is generally successful, though cysts may recur.
This outpatient procedure is performed at Dr. Bob’s office. After your surgical removal, you’ll need to rest and limit your activity while the joint heals. As the pain lessens, he might recommend physical therapy exercises to strengthen the joint and enhance your range of motion.
The excision procedure has a significantly higher success rate than aspiration, although complications such as recurrence, joint stiffness, scar formation, and infection are possible.
Dr. Bob is the best choice for ganglion cyst treatment in Los Angeles
You don’t have to live with foot pain. There is so much innovation in podiatric medicine today, and Dr. Baravarian, a board-certified podiatric surgeon, is at the forefront. With decades of experience and among the highest success rates in the nation, he has effectively treated over 200,000 patients. Foot and ankle pain is not normal. And ignoring it will likely cause your condition to worsen and become harder to treat.
Dr. Bob is renowned as one of the nation’s most technologically advanced foot and ankle specialists, including sports medicine. While other practices claim they know about “the latest and greatest,” Dr. Bob has been researching, running clinical trials, and performing these techniques for decades.
Dr. Bob Baravarian has been a leader in regenerative medicine for over 15 years. This includes platelet-rich plasma therapy, stem cell therapy, and cartilage replacement. No other foot and ankle practice has more experience or success in developing and applying human regenerative medicine.
Dr. Bob Baravarian is conveniently located in Los Angeles, near Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, providing expert foot and ankle care for patients throughout Southern California.
Ganglion cyst FAQs
Can you remove a ganglion cyst yourself?
It is not recommended to try removing a ganglion cyst yourself. Although these cysts are usually harmless, DIY removal methods, such as attempting to burst the cyst, can cause infection, injury, or the cyst to come back.
What kind of doctor removes ganglion cysts?
Dr. Bob is the best choice for removing a ganglion cyst on the foot because of his specialized training and expertise in foot and ankle anatomy, conditions, and surgical procedures.
How long does it take to remove a cyst from the foot?
The time needed to remove a ganglion cyst from the foot varies based on its size and location, but most procedures are fairly quick, often completed in less than an hour. This outpatient procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, allowing for a quick recovery.
