Ganglion foot cysts are benign lumps which form on the joints or tendons on the feet and ankles. They are round or oval shaped and are filled with a jelly-like fluid called synovial fluid, which acts to lubricate and cushion the joints and tendons. Ganglion cysts of the foot range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball and may feel soft or firm to touch. Some ganglionic foot cysts are so small they can’t be felt at all. The size of a cyst can fluctuate, often getting bigger when the joint is used in repetitive motions.
Although ganglion cysts do not hurt, they may cause pain if they press on a nerve.
Just over half of all ganglion cysts disappear without any treatment, but this may take years, so many people opt for foot cyst removal.