Man holding wrist in pain because of ganglion cyst

Ganglion Cyst Excision

If you notice a swollen, jelly-like sac on your ankle or wrist, you may have a benign growth known as a ganglion cyst.

Ganglion cysts may cause joint discomfort, or they simply might keep you from looking your best.

From diagnosis to treatment, North County Foot & Ankle Specialists in Escondido, CA, can help you with care or ganglion cyst excision.

What Is a Ganglion Cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with a jelly-like fluid that originates from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word “ganglion” means "knot" and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump that forms below the surface of the skin.

Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft-tissue masses. Although they most often occur on the wrist, they also frequently develop on the foot — usually on the top, but elsewhere as well. Ganglion cysts vary in size, may get smaller or larger, and may even disappear completely, only to return later.

A Closer Look at Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion Cyst on hand
A ganglion cyst may appear on joints in places like your hand, fingers, wrists, or ankles. It will present with swelling and a fluid-filled cyst. While it's often benign and painless, you can benefit from an examination at North County Foot & Ankle Specialists in Escondido, CA. Our board-certified podiatrists can determine if the mass is a cyst and outline the best course of treatment in your case.

Patients Come First At Our Escondido Practice

1

Jen Wass

2021

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I came to see Dr. Morris after a very long and disappointing experience with another Podiatrist. My expectations have been exceeded not only from him, but his great staff as well. He listened, and very clearly explained my situation and the possible treatment options available. I now feel as though I am in very competent hands.

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1

Hope Gillespie

2022

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[Dr. Morris] went about my treatment in a way that the others did not... I am 100% pain free and back to normal activities...He is absolutely amazing and is such a nice and personable Dr. And his staff, Irma, Tisha, and Donald were all so nice and very helpful throughout the whole process. Always a pleasure when I went in and very quick to address any needs I had. I highly recommend Dr Morris and his staff.

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Do You Suspect You Have
a Ganglion Cyst?

Are You in Pain?

Often patients with ganglion cysts do not feel any pain — or, if they do, it's typically a dull ache.

Stronger pain can signal inflammation or infection — both of which may cause complications. Redness, new swelling, and tenderness at the site of your ganglion cyst should not be ignored. These new symptoms may signal you need treatment for an infection.

Are Ganglion Cysts Dangerous?

Let us start off by putting you at ease: ganglion cysts are not dangerous.

If you notice a ganglion cyst on your foot or wrist, you may worry that you have a tumor along your joint. However, ganglion cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs attached by a stalk. They tend to be more of a cosmetic concern..

In fact, in many cases the cyst is painless and simply needs monitoring. It may even resolve on its own without any need for treatment.

For your peace of mind, though, you can visit North County Foot & Ankle Specialists in Escondido for a consultation. Contact our office or call

(760) 745-1226

Doctors
Seeing a growth on your wrist or ankle can cause concern. However, most ganglion cysts only need monitoring or small adjustments. Our Escondido specialists can also provide treatment if necessary, resolving your cyst through methods like aspiration and surgery.

How Is a Ganglion Cyst Diagnosed?

To diagnose a ganglion cyst, our foot and ankle surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your foot. The lump will be visually apparent, and, when pressed in a certain way, it should move freely underneath the skin.

Sometimes the surgeon will shine a light through the cyst or remove a small amount of fluid from the cyst for evaluation. Your doctor may take an X-ray, and in some cases, additional imaging studies may be ordered.

Can I Pop My Ganglion Cyst Myself?

No! You should never try to pop a ganglion cyst on your own.

At home, you can never fully recreate the sterile environment of a medical office, which means that you may inadvertently cause a dangerous infection or abscess. You also likely don't have the medical experience to safely pop your ganglion cyst.

Not to mention, it may not actually need any treatment at all. Besides, you have North County Foot & Ankle Specialists to help you every step of the way, so you can safely receive treatment. From aspiration procedures to surgery, our patients are in good hands.

If you are unsure what to do, leave us a message and we will get back to you:

Do I Need Surgery For My Ganglion Cyst?

​We Prioritize Less Invasive Methods

You might need excision surgery for your ganglion cyst, but it's a less likely treatment procedure. We will first exhaust all non-surgical options, such as monitoring, aspiration, and injection, before resorting to surgery.

Ask About Ganglion Cyst Treatment Options

Choosing Surgery When Appropriate

When other treatment options fail or are not appropriate, the cyst may need to be surgically removed through excision. The recurrence rate after surgery is much lower than with aspiration and injection therapy, however, there are still cases in which the ganglion cyst returns.

Ask About the Ganglion Cyst Surgical Procedure

Patients Recommend Us To Their Friends and Family

1

Naureen Kamdar

2021

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Great experience! Comfortable orthotics that resolved my pain and would highly recommend to friends and family!

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James Urbanoski

2021

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Really liked the dr and the staff. I really appreciate that I can call and get a person on the phone too.

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Taking Photos Yourself Can Result in More Knowledgable Treatment

You've made your appointment at North County Foot & Ankle Specialists. Now what?

Before you visit our Escondido office, you can do one thing to improve your treatment: Take photos of your ganglion cyst.

These photos, captured over time, can show us how your cyst has developed. They can also give us more information to use during your treatment.

Additionally, if you notice quick growth or redness and swelling that signals an infection, take a non-toxic marker and draw a circle around the area. If the redness expands outside the circle,  you may have an infection. Seek treatment immediately to avoid any painful or dangerous complications.

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North County Foot & Ankle Specialists

The team of compassionate podiatrists at North County Foot & Ankle Specialists in Escondido, CA, can provide the care you need to address sports injuries, pain, and other general foot and ankle conditions. Our doctors are members of several professional organizations, including:

  • The American Podiatric Medical Association
  • The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
  • The American Board of Podiatric Medicine

To schedule an appointment at our Escondido office, contact us online or call (760) 745-1226.

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Escondido Office

736 E Grand Ave
Escondido, CA 92025

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