What is a tendon sheath cyst?
1. A tendon sheath cyst is a sac of fluid from the tendon sheath or joint capsule that is filled with a gelatinous liquid. The word “ganglion” means “knot” and is used to describe a knotted mass or lump that forms below the surface of the skin.
2. Tendon sheath cysts are one of the most common benign soft tissue tumors. Although they occur most often in the wrist, they also often develop in the foot – usually above, but also elsewhere. Tendon sheath cysts vary in size and may become larger or smaller, or may even disappear completely and then recover.
What are the causes?
Although the exact cause of tendon sheath cysts is not known, they may arise from trauma-either a single trauma or repeated microtrauma.
What are the symptoms?
Tendon sheath cysts include one or more of the following symptoms.
A noticeable lump, which is usually the only symptom
Stinging or burning if the cyst touches a nerve
Dull or aching pain, which may indicate that the cyst is compressing tendons and joints
Difficulty wearing shoes because the lump is rubbing against the shoe
How should the diagnosis be made?
The podiatrist will arrange for the patient to have a foot examination.
1, On examination, the lump is clearly visible, moves freely under the skin when pressed, and has a positive light test.
2.X-ray of the foot.
How to carry out treatment?
1.Non-surgical treatment
Monitoring,no treatment. If the cyst does not cause pain and does not prevent walking, it is best to observe.
Adjustment of shoes. It is recommended to wear shoes that do not rub against the cyst or cause inflammation. In addition, custom insoles may help to reduce pressure on the cyst.
Aspiration and injection. Drainage, followed by injection of steroid medication into the mass, may need to be repeated several times. The disadvantage is that it can recur in cysts.
2. When is surgical treatment needed?
When other treatment options have failed or are inappropriate, the cyst will need to be surgically removed. Although the surgical recurrence rate is much lower than that of aspiration and injection therapy, it can occur in some cases.