Whenever we injure our feet, we can expect to experience different degrees of pain depending on the injury’s severity. But sometimes conditions develop that don’t necessarily produce pain. One of these conditions can be known as cysts.
What Are Cysts?
Cysts are sac-like pockets of membranous tissue that can develop almost anywhere on your body. These bulging sacs will contain a liquid, semisolid, or gaseous material. Many people might mistake them for a blister.
Different types of cysts can appear but, in most cases, they are noncancerous (benign). The type of treatment required will depend on:
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- It’s location. The location will determine what type of cyst developed.
- Infection. An infection can lead to the cyst filling up with bacteria and pus, turning into an abscess. The risk of an abscess bursting inside your body could lead to blood poisoning (septicemia).
- Pain/discomfort. Cysts will cause pain and discomfort if it puts pressure on a tendon, joint, or nerve.
The type of cyst will also determine the cause of your cyst.
Cysts Found on The Foot
Cysts that appear on your feet can be the result of:
- An infection
- Trauma
- Inflammation
- A clogged oil gland
Three main types of cysts affecting the foot are ganglion cysts, synovial cysts, and plantar fibroma cysts.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts form near joints or tendons and most commonly develop on the wrist. But they can appear on the ankle and foot.
The benign growth is filled with fluid and can cause a tingling or burning sensation when the cyst touches a foot nerve. Walking and wearing shoes will increase this discomfort and irritate your skin.
Synovial Cysts
Synovial cysts are also filled with fluid and develop on the top of the foot, usually over a tendon or joint. This type of cyst will start soft and then become firmer over time.
Synovial cysts are very similar to ganglion cysts, making it difficult to differentiate by looking at them. The main difference between these two types of cysts is that a synovial cyst contains a thin film of tissue (synovium) surrounding it.
Plantar Fibroma Cysts
Plantar fibroma cysts are different from ganglion and synovial cysts. They develop as fibrous and hard knots deep within the skin of your foot’s arch (instep) or on the bottom of the foot. Multiple fibromas can also appear, leading to a condition called plantar fibromatosis.
The cause of a plantar fibroma cyst is unknown, although some studies suggest that it’s linked to genetics.
Treatment For Cysts on Your Feet
Cysts found on the foot can, in most cases, resolve themselves. When they are not causing pain or discomfort, the best treatment is to leave it alone and continue monitoring them.
If pain occurs, ganglion and synovial cysts can be drained and injected with medication to promote healing. These types of cysts can sometimes be treated with ice when the cause is inflammation.
If a plantar fibroma cyst is causing pain, the treatment options include topical gels, corticosteroid shots, and even physical therapy.
Pain From Cysts on Your Feet
When cysts on your feet lead to severe pain, home remedies aren’t always the most effective. Especially when you don’t know what type of cysts has formed on your foot, the best course of action is to visit the foot experts at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle.
Let us take a look and determine how to put you back on your feet.
