Ganglion is a swelling that appears under the skin, usually on the wrist, but sometimes on the top of the foot or the inside of the wrist (hand) or on the fingers.
Symptoms
– A swelling in the ankle
– Pain may be present with this swelling, especially when the wrist is extended or bent, but generally this swelling is painless.
It is caused by the accumulation of a thick fluid that has seeped into a joint or tendon. It is usually flexible to the touch and can be of various sizes.
Diagnosis
After a physical exam, some tests and X-rays may be needed to rule out other problems. An ultrasound is sometimes helpful to confirm a diagnosis.
It is essentially harmless. However, if you notice a swelling on your ankle or foot, consult a doctor to rule out other causes, such as a malignant tumor. If the ganglion is painful, your doctor may provide relief through surgery or other means, but in most cases, this harmless, small swelling does not require treatment and does not affect your life.
Treatment, Surgery
Your doctor may pierce the ganglion with a needle in several places and then apply pressure to it to burst it or to aspirate the contents with a needle. In most cases, surgery is not necessary, but if the ganglion is painful and does not respond to drainage, it can be surgically removed.
