Question
I have a lump the size of a grape on the outside part of my right foot, that is hard, and very painful all the time, and when I walk feels like someone is sticking a knife in the side of my foot and slicing up into my ankle. This lump feels and looks like it is growing on a tendon.  The big bone of the ankle above the lump has what feels like a gushy sack of fluid or something all around it. The lump seems to have a long snake like part growing with it that goes up from the lump. This lump continues to grow, and doesn't move when I push on it. It is definately growing on a steady basis...and the more it grows, the more it hurts. Right now my whole foot and ankle is swollen and actually excruciatingly painful.
Do you have any idea of what this might be? I have been worried about it being a tumor, cancer etc.
I see an orthepedic surgeon in January of 2008..but I want to know sooner what is going on...and what to possibly do about it to make it less painful.
I apologize for the length of this letter,,, I just don't know how to describe it in just a few words.

Thank you so much.  
Alita.......Abbotsford, BC , Canada

Answer
Hi Alita,

The lump on your foot sounds like a ganglion cyst.  These are seen with excessive stress of the tendons and joints.  They are benign cysts.  The cyst usually fills with fluid and becomes hard. At times the cyst can get smaller when the fluid goes back into the tendon lining.  However, in any cases these cysts get bigger.  There can tingling or pain when the cyst is against a nerve.

There are types of masses in the foot but this is the more common problem.

I would ice the area and find a shoe that does not hit the cyst.  Some people find relief using a menthol muscle rub on the area.

Typically the fluid is drawn out of the cyst and the cyst is injected with cortisone.  The cysts may also be removed surgically.

Hope all goes well.

Marc Katz
http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com