Have you ever wondered why you have a ball on the instep of your foot and you don’t know what it is? Do you think it’s from so much walking or wearing a shoe that turns out to be annoying? Well, this ball on the instep of the foot may well be a ganglion cyst that occurs for multiple causes, however, few people know what this is or why it originates, so the necessary treatment is not applied in case of require it.
The size of the same can vary and sometimes it is remitted only without application of treatment, however the purpose of this FastlyHealarticle is to explain everything about the ball on the instep of the foot: causes , as well as how to diagnose it, recognize its symptoms to differentiate it from other disorders and the best treatment for the condition.
Table of Contents
Hard lump on the instep of the foot: what is it
The ball on the instep is actually a ganglion cyst , which is filled with fluid (similar to synovial fluid but thicker) in the lining of a joint or tendon. They are generally located anywhere on the foot, being more frequent on the ankle or on the instep of the foot. Its size is variable, round in shape and its growth is slow. It is also called a ganglion , although it should not be confused with a ganglion.
The diagnosis of the ball on the instep of the foot is made basically through clinical inspection, depending on its location, its shape and its consistency. It is round in shape , it can be soft to very firm in consistency , although in the case of the ganglion on the instep, when the foot is palpated, its consistency is more spongy and there is a sensation that the liquid inside is moving.
Its size is variable , however it closely resembles the size of a pea and when pressed they cause pain. The size of it can vary over time and likewise disappear spontaneously.
Causes of the ball on the instep of the foot
Its appearance is not due to a specific cause , in fact it is considered that its appearance is idiopathic, that is, unknown, however it has been associated with constant irritations which produces weakness in the joint or tendon, in addition to inflaming this tissue, giving rise to the ganglion.
The ball on the instep of the foot in turn presents risk factors that can trigger them , among them we will mention the most frequent:
- Age and sex: its appearance is more frequent in women between 20 and 30 years old, however they can appear in anyone.
- Trauma to a joint or tendon.
- Osteoarthritis : Those with joint disorders are more likely to develop ganglions, since it can increase the fluid within the joints and accumulate in a cyst.
- Overuse of a joint
- Rheumatoid arthritis .
Lump on the instep of the foot: symptoms
The ball on the instep of the foot usually disappears on its own or appears without symptoms, however, when they appear, its main symptom would be pain , which occurs when exerting pressure causing a sensation of:
- Tingle.
- Numbness.
- Pain.
- Lack of sensitivity.
- Pain occurs when a nerve is pressed.
The ganglions can modify their size according to the activity they carry out or depending on the climate.
Treatment for a lump on the instep
The diagnosis of a ball on the instep of the foot is made basically through clinical inspection , depending on its location, its shape and its consistency. Another diagnostic method is transillumination, the light must pass through the ganglion, in the case of tumors it does not. In addition, taking X-rays in the area can be applied to corroborate the diagnosis.
The ball on the instep of the foot requires a treatment which can be surgical and non-surgical . In the case of non-surgical treatment, the following may be considered:
- Aspiration of the fluid contained within the cyst through a needle to decompress it, this is to relieve symptoms. In some cases after aspiration, the cyst reappears. If this happens, the cyst must be aspirated several times until it is completely eliminated.
- Steroid application (after aspiration to reduce cyst appearance)
- Reduce movements or activities that increase pain.
- Applying ice to the cyst for 15 to 20 minutes temporarily relieves symptoms and inflammation in the area.
- In case of severe inflammation, the treating physician will prescribe medications for the problem.
- Modify the use of shoes that promote the appearance of cysts (for example boots), or place a pad on the foot if there is a cyst to ease the pain.
If the non-invasive treatment for the ball on the instep of the foot fails, the doctor will resort to surgery to eliminate its origin. It is on an outpatient basis and you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery. The procedure consists of the application of local anesthesia, then an incision will be made in the skin exactly where the ball or ganglion is located, its size will depend on the cyst, the doctor will extract the cyst and then suture the area.
It is normal that after the surgery the person refers to having sensitivity, inflammation or discomfort, that is why the doctor will recommend taking analgesics to calm their symptoms.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Ball on the instep of the foot: causes , we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, Joints and Muscles .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.