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How Do I Treat a Ganglion Foot Cyst?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

A ganglion foot cyst is a swelling or growth that occurs around any of the various joints of the foot. It is less common than a ganglion wrist cyst, though it can occur and cause problems if left untreated. If pain occurs due to the ganglion foot cyst, you may want to consult a doctor before attempting any treatments. These cysts are sometimes called Bible bumps because one of the traditional treatments involves using a heavy book such as a Bible to burst the cyst. Safer and more accurate treatments are recommended, however.

Sometimes the ganglion foot cyst will not hurt or affect normal joint movement in any way. If this is the case, there may be no need for any specific treatment, and the cyst is likely to disappear on its own after time. If the ganglion foot cyst is accompanied by pain or if the joint's mobility is reduced as a result of the positioning of the cyst, visiting a doctor will give you a few different treatment options. The cyst can be aspirated, which involves removing the fluid within the cyst using a needle. A steroid is then injected into the cyst, and the foot is splinted to prevent movement as the wound heals. Aspiration may only need to be done once, though some cysts may require three or more treatments.

Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.
Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.

Surgery may be necessary for the most severe instances of a ganglion foot cyst. This option is usually not recommended as a primary treatment because the surgery can cause damage to surrounding tissues as well as nerves, and the cyst may come back even after it is removed. If the ganglion foot cyst causes constant or severe pain, however, this surgery may be a good option. A surgeon will essentially cut into the affected area to remove the cyst; sometimes the incision is quite small, making recovery much quicker and pain-free. The area will need to be splinted and protected against infection while healing occurs. The healing time can vary, but several days to several weeks is not uncommon.

In some cases, a ganglion foot cyst does not impede normal joint movement.
In some cases, a ganglion foot cyst does not impede normal joint movement.

It is difficult to prevent ganglion cysts from occurring because there is no solid evidence as to what causes them. Early detection and treatment is the best course of action, and the Bible therapy option should be avoided, as smashing the ganglion foot cyst can lead to other injuries and may not actually treat the cyst at all.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

I thought that ganglion surgery would be the solution to my ganglion foot cyst. I had surgery three months ago and all seemed well. But now the cyst has returned. I'm baffled!

ddljohn

@burcinc-- I can't believe he did that! I didn't think anyone would try that remedy when they could just go to the doctor and have it drained.

He needs to keep his foot clean. He can wash it with soapy water and wrap it with clean/sterile bandage. I think he needs to see a doctor though, because the risk of infection is high. It would be better to have it cleaned and packed by a nurse. If there are any signs of infection, the doctor can give antibiotics.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure what further treatment would entail for a burst ganglion cyst.

burcinc

If I had read this article before, I would have definitely prevented my brother from bursting his ganglion cyst.

He had been complaining about the ganglion cyst on his foot for about a week. He called me yesterday and said that he burst the cyst with a book. Apparently he read about the remedy somewhere. He says that the area is bruised now. I hope the burst cyst doesn't get infected.

Are there any recommendations for treatment after the cyst has burst? What should he do now to avoid complications?

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    • Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.
      By: psdesign1
      Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.
    • In some cases, a ganglion foot cyst does not impede normal joint movement.
      By: MAST
      In some cases, a ganglion foot cyst does not impede normal joint movement.
    • A ganglion cyst is sometimes referred to as a Bible bump, because an old cure called for hitting the bump with a Bible.
      By: manaemedia
      A ganglion cyst is sometimes referred to as a Bible bump, because an old cure called for hitting the bump with a Bible.
    • Doctors should be consulted before attempting ganglion foot cyst treatments.
      By: Rido
      Doctors should be consulted before attempting ganglion foot cyst treatments.
    • The most severe cases of a ganglion foot cyst will require surgery.
      By: muratolmez
      The most severe cases of a ganglion foot cyst will require surgery.
    • Aspiration may be used to treat a ganglion foot cyst.
      By: ursule
      Aspiration may be used to treat a ganglion foot cyst.