Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled masses that can cause discomfort. Although ganglion cysts most commonly appear on the wrists and hands, they can and do affect your feet. If you experience one of these common soft-tissue injuries, visit your foot doctor in Sugar Land as soon as possible. Early treatment can often prevent the cyst from worsening and reduce the need for foot surgery in the future. If a ganglion cyst is affecting your feet, here is what you need to know.

What causes ganglion cysts?

Doctors are unsure what causes ganglion cysts to occur. Some experts believe that the cysts are the result of some kind of trauma to the soft tissue and that the ganglion cyst is actually a collection of several smaller cysts. Others suspect that a flaw in a joint allows connective tissue to bulge, creating the cyst. In many cases, people who experience a ganglion cyst cannot point to any kind of injury or other occurrence that preceded the appearance of the cyst.

What are the symptoms?

The cyst itself, which is usually a soft, unmovable lump, is typically the first sign. Some people also experience aching or throbbing pain. Typically, cysts get bigger over time and may suddenly reduce in size or disappear completely, only to reappear again. Rather than waiting out a cyst to see if it goes away, it is helpful to see your foot doctor when it appears, so he or she can evaluate it when it is flared up.

What types of treatments are available?

If you have a ganglion cyst, your foot doctor may recommend aspiration. During an aspiration procedure, your doctor will remove the fluid inside of the cyst using a needle and may inject corticosteroids to ease the inflammation. If the cyst is not painful, simply monitoring the cyst may be enough. For persistent and painful cysts, foot surgery may be needed. Foot surgery is the most effective procedure for chronic cysts, which often reappear after aspiration.

Your feet aren’t meant to be in pain, but if they are, you should try to learn the cause. If you’re experiencing foot pain in Sugar Land, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment. One cause of foot pain that is frequently treated by foot doctors is flat feet. Watch this video to learn about treatments for this condition.

Flat feet occur when your foot arches decrease and come in contact with the ground as you step. You might notice that your footprint leaves a complete foot outline, with no space where the arch would normally be located. Choosing the right footwear is an essential part of treatment for flat feet. Opt for stiff-soled shoes made from a firm material, preferably with laces. Also, speak with your podiatrist about custom orthotic inserts for additional arch support.

If you’ve been diagnosed with bunions near Sugar Land, it’s important to ask your foot doctor about how you can manage this condition. Your choice of footwear can play a significant role in the reduction of your bunion symptoms , so selecting the right size and style is essential.

The development of bunions is typically accompanied by a bone growth on the side of the foot near the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint at the base of the big toe, or near the little toe on the outside of the foot. To avoid aggravating your symptoms, select shoes that have a wide toe box and do not squeeze your toes. Also, avoid heels higher than two inches and any shoes that add pressure to the toes or ball of the feet.

If wearing these shoe styles does not alleviate your symptoms, speak with your podiatrist about amending your footwear with orthotic shoe inserts. By providing your feet with added support, you may be able to relieve some of the pressure that is on the affected joint and prevent a worsening of your symptoms.

When your feet hurt, everyday tasks can become challenging and uncomfortable. If you’re suffering from foot pain in Sugar Land, consider seeing a podiatrist right away, so your symptoms can be diagnosed and treated. Neuromas, which are also called pinched nerves or nerve tumors , are a source of foot pain that also cause burning sensations, numbness, or tingling in between the toes in the ball of the foot. This painful condition can result from several causes.

Foot Structure

The natural shape of your foot can result in the development of a neuroma. Biomechanical deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or a high-arched foot can lead to instability in the vicinity of the toe joints and put an individual at a higher risk for developing neuromas. If you have been diagnosed with flat or high-arched feet, ask your podiatrist about orthotic foot inserts that can offer your feet the support that they need and potentially prevent neuromas. Similarly, seek treatment for bunions and hammertoes to improve your foot health and help to avoid this painful condition.

Repeated Stress

People who have occupations that force them to spend long hours standing may develop neuromas due to the repeated stress that is placed on their feet. Also, high-impact athletic activities can subject your feet to repeated trauma and lead to neuromas. Some examples include rock climbing, snow skiing, and running. If you spend a lot of time on your feet or participate in athletics, ask your podiatrist about the best footwear to help keep your feet pain-free.

Improper Footwear

Shoes that place pressure on your toes or force extra weight onto the ball of your foot can lead to the development of neuromas. To help avoid this, do not wear high heels or shoes that are ill-fitting. Instead, choose shoes that provide plenty of space in the toe box, include buckles or laces that allow you to adjust their snugness, have supportive insoles, and offer plenty of shock-absorbent cushioning in the sole.

Your foot doctor in Sugar Land may recommend reconstructive foot surgery if your symptoms are not relieved by non-invasive methods. There are many different kinds of reconstructive foot surgery, and the nature of your procedure depends on the condition your foot doctor is trying to treat. However, there are certain aspects of surgery that are similar for all procedures that can help you understand what to expect. Here is a look at the reconstructive foot and ankle surgery process to help you prepare for your procedure.

Pre-Operative Planning

Before your surgery, your foot doctor will review your condition with you and describe your surgery to you in full. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about the surgery and your recovery. At this time, your foot specialist will also review your medical history and may order lab tests to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery and don’t have any conditions that could interfere with your recovery. Be sure to discuss all of your medications with your foot doctor, including over-the-counter drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen. You may need to stop or change the way you take some medicines before surgery.

Surgical Procedure

Your doctor will describe the procedure of your surgery to you in full. Depending on the kind of surgery you are having, you may receive general anesthesia or you may receive a local anesthesia or block. Some people go home the same day of their foot surgeries, while other stay in a hospital overnight. Your foot doctor will ensure that you know exactly what to expect on the day of your procedure.

Post-Operative Recovery

The recovery time after your surgery depends on the procedure you had. Most foot surgeries require a period of rest, in which you keep your foot elevated, followed by a transition back to putting pressure on the foot, using crutches, casts, canes, or surgical shoes. You will typically have a series of follow-up appointments with your foot doctor to make sure you are healing as expected, and he or she will tell you when you can return to normal activities.