Ganglions are small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) that often appear on the tops of hands and wrists. They can also appear on feet, ankles, knees, and shoulders. These sacs grow out tendons and joints where they collect fluid. Ganglion cysts can be small or about the size of a marble.
WHAT CAUSES IT
We do not know exactly the cause of ganglions. They may be linked to:
- Irritation or overusing a tendon
- Injury
- Arthritis
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Ganglion cysts are not cancerous and often go away on their own. They are usually painless. But, if they become a problem, you can try the following.
- Gently massage them often to help move the fluid out of the sac.
- Rest your feet to help relieve the irritated tendon or joint.
- Have it drained (aspirated) by a doctor to remove some of the fluid.
- Talk to your doctor about having it surgically removed if it continues to be painful.
What you should NOT do is smash it yourself. These cysts were once called “Bible Cysts” because people would smash it using a Bible. I had a college friend who would hit his ganglion with a text book. Unfortunately, it always came back. So whether you use a text book or the Good Book, hitting it is not a good idea.
As for me and the bump on my foot, I’ve avoided pain by wearing shoes that will not irritate it. Hopefully it will just completely go away on its own.