At first glance, it can be difficult to determine the severity of a lump on your foot or ankle. Whether it’s a knot on the top of your foot, a bump on the bottom of your foot, or a lump near your ankle, foot and ankle cysts come in a variety of forms and may require different treatments. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of foot cysts you might encounter, their causes, and how they can be effectively treated.
Types of Foot Cysts
Ganglion Cyst
Widely known as the most common type of cyst on the foot is a ganglion cyst. This benign, typically round or oval, fluid-filled growth often forms near joints or tendons, such as the top of the foot or around the ankle. While a ganglion cyst on the foot is usually painless, it can become uncomfortable if it presses on nearby nerves or structures, potentially making it difficult to walk.
Symptoms: A noticeable lump, trouble walking, tenderness, especially if the cyst grows over time or interferes with joint movement.
Plantar Fibroma
A plantar fibroma is a benign, firm nodule that grows in the arch of the foot within the plantar fascia. This condition often presents as a knot on the bottom of the foot or lumps on the bottom of the feet, which can cause discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
Symptoms: A firm lump or nodule on the bottom of the foot, pain or tenderness in the arch area, particularly when pressure is applied, and difficulty walking as the lump grows or becomes more painful over time.
Inclusion Cyst
An inclusion cyst of the foot, also known as an epidermal inclusion cyst, is a rare, soft-tissue, fluid-filled lump beneath the skin, filled with keratin. It forms when skin cells become trapped under the skin’s surface, often due to trauma or injury, such as cuts or surgery to the foot. These cysts are typically benign and appear as small lumps under the skin.
Symptoms: A small, firm lump under the skin, which can become tender or inflamed. These cysts may resolve on their own or may require removal if they cause discomfort or persist.
Mucoid Cyst
Lastly, a mucoid cyst is a jelly-like, fluid-filled lump that usually forms near the joints of the toes, often right by the nail. These harmless, benign growths are more common in people with degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis.
Symptoms: Interfered nail growth or joint movement, causing discomfort or limited mobility in the affected toe.
Causes of Foot Cysts
There are several causes of a cyst on the foot, often depending on the underlying cause. You may develop a cyst on the foot or ankle due to one of the following reasons:
- Underlying medical conditions that cause inflammation, like arthritis or gout
- Trauma or injury to the foot or ankle
- Repetitive stress on the foot or ankle
- Joint or tendon irritation
Treatments for Foot and Ankle Cysts
To determine the right treatment, you first need to consider the type of cyst and its symptoms. Common treatment approaches for foot and ankle cysts are:
- Observation: Keep an eye on the cyst to see if the pain worsens and if it causes any mobility issues. If so, your primary care provider (PCP) may recommend monitoring it over time to see if any pain or mobility issues develop.
- Aspiration: For fluid-filled cysts like ganglion cysts, your doctor may use a needle to drain the fluid, although cysts can sometimes return if not surgically removed.
- Surgery: If the cyst becomes painful or interferes with movement, surgical removal may be necessary. In cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgery can provide relief by removing the cyst and alleviating discomfort.
- Orthotics or Padding: For conditions like plantar fibroma, custom orthotics or padding may help relieve pressure on the cyst, improving function and comfort. If the pain persists, you may also benefit from consulting a pain management specialist.
When to See a Foot and Ankle Specialist
Deciding when to see a foot and ankle specialist depends on a variety of factors, such as the size, location, and symptoms of the cyst.
If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or changes in the appearance of a lump on top of your foot, a knot on the side of your foot, a lump on the upper foot, a lump on the side of your foot, or any unusual bumps on your foot or ankle, it’s important to seek medical care. Early evaluation can prevent further complications down the line and help to ensure proper treatment.
Whether you’re dealing with a ganglion cyst, plantar fibroma, or any other kind of lump, bump, or knot on the top or bottom of your foot, our foot specialists are here to help. They specialize in treating foot and ankle cysts and will provide expert care every step of the way to ensure the most appropriate treatment.
