November 3, 2022
Medical pedicures are no ordinary cosmetic pedicure. And while the procedure skips the pretty toenail polish, they offer numerous foot health benefits that you won't get from your favourite nail salon and spa.
Regular medical pedicures work wonders for nail health and keep your skin in good condition. What's more, chiropodists know the warning signs of foot conditions, so they can keep their eyes peeled for potential problems while performing your pedicure.
Let's take a look at the top 5 benefits of medical pedicures!
Medical pedicures prevent ingrown toenails
Your chiropodist can detect foot abnormalities and conditions
Say goodbye to foot odour
Enjoy a thorough moisturizing session
Safe and sterile environment
Medical Pedicures Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are something to avoid at all costs. Ingrown toenails grow into and pierce the skin, so while they may start out as a tiny problem, the pain can be immense if the ingrown toenail isn't properly dealt with. Not knowing how to cut your toenails properly can trigger ingrown toenail growth, so you should opt for a professional trim if you don't know what you're doing.
Of course, medical pedicures include thorough nail trimming and filing. Cutting and filing straight across ensures smooth edges and lets the nail re-grow in the right direction. This can prevent ingrown toenails but also serves as a treatment for any pre-existing ones.
Bonus tip: Try researching the best toenail clippers for added protection against ingrown toenails.
Your Chiropodist Can Detect Foot Abnormalities and Conditions
When you get a medical pedicure, a trained professional examines every inch of your foot. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of getting a pedicure at a foot clinic vs. a nail salon.
If you have diabetes, getting a foot examination is even more crucial. Due to diabetic neuropathy, irregular glucose levels, and peripheral vascular disease, undetected foot abnormalities can make way for severe complications. These may include skin and bone infections, gangrene, abscesses, and even amputations.
Here are some examples of what a chiropodist can look for during a medical pedicure:
Warts
Corns and calluses
Signs of proper blood circulation
Fungal infections
Nerve function
Signs of additional infection
Say Goodbye to Foot Odour
A medical pedicure includes sanitizing and thoroughly cleaning your feet. The process starts with cleaning the feet with alcohol, so the chiropodist has a clean base. This eliminates dead skin and bacteria on the bottom of the feet, eliminating unpleasant foot odour.
To ensure foot odour doesn't come back, wash your feet regularly, wear socks with sneakers and use high-quality foot deodorants.
Safe and Sterile Environment
Everyone likes to feel pampered sometimes. But while salon pedicures are fun and relaxing, there can be a lack of cleanliness in some establishments. Manicure and pedicure salons can be breeding grounds for foot fungus and other concerning threats.
When you go to a foot clinic, all eyes are on you. You have a space dedicated to your treatment, and your chiropodist only pays attention to your medical pedicure. Your foot specialist also uses only steam sterilized equipment that is sterilized after each use, and has plenty of time to ensure all medical practice standards are followed.
But a salon may be jam-packed full of customers, and employees can easily forget to thoroughly clean tools when they're too busy. This is when viruses, fungus and bacteria come into the picture.
Enjoy a Thorough Moisturizing Session
If you think moisturizing only happens at a nail salon, think again.
A chiropodist will use medical-strength moisturizing creams at the end of the medical pedicure.
This intense treatment works to keep skin feeling soft and clean, restore natural elasticity, and fight common nuisances like dry, itchy skin.
September 8, 2022
Lately, medical pedicures have been trending, but why? What's all the hype about, and is it worth it?
When you think of pedicures, you may think of nail salons, getting your nails done, or another cosmetic version. In practice, medical pedicures are different. They're a blend of foot care and nail care, bringing out the best of both worlds. Medical pedicures combine the aesthetics of nail care (minus the nail polish) with the foot care benefits provided by chiropodists.
A medical pedicure addresses this by treating the toenails and skin of the feet while tending to any emerging foot concerns. It’s a therapeutic pedicure - without nail polish - performed by a qualified foot specialist. Think of our medical pedicure service as a maintenance package for your feet. These sessions include a thorough examination of your feet, as well as careful cleaning of your feet, trimming and filing toenails, removing calluses, corns, and dead skin, moisturizing, and more.
These are the top 10 reasons why you should consider getting a medical pedicure:
Help prevent ingrown toenails
Stave off foot odour
Remove painful corns
Thorough foot examination
Professionally cut or trim toenails
Safe, private, and sterilized environment
Treat fungal toenail infections
Moisturizes your feet
Callus debridement
Cleans your feet to get rid of onychophosis
On top of all of the benefits, a medical pedicure may be covered in part or entirely by your insurance provider. Note that it is not covered under OHIP, so check your private insurance benefits ahead of your appointment.
Below you'll learn more about medical pedicures and what sets them apart.
1. Medical pedicures can prevent ingrown toenails
Feet First Clinic can help treat and prevent ingrown toenails by properly trimming and cutting your nails.
Ingrown toenails can be very painful, cause swelling, and even lead to an infection if left ignored. A foot specialist can cut your toenails straight across and ensure there are no stray pieces at the edges. They’ll also ensure you don’t cut the nail too short which can be a precursor to developing an ingrown toenail.
2. Stave off foot odour
Pee-ew. That smell could be your feet. Several factors can lead to increased foot odour, like re-using socks or not letting your footwear dry between uses. Additionally, long toenails and dead skin can contribute to foot odour as it's a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. These latter two contributing factors are addressed during a medical pedicure.
3. Remove painful corns
A foot specialist can safely remove a painful corn, a small circular area of thickened, hardened skin. These are usually found on the non-weight bearing, bonier parts of the foot where the skin is thinner, like the toes.
4. A licensed chiropodist examines your feet
Medical pedicures act as double-duty for your feet. Not only do you get a direct benefit to your skin and nails, but a licensed chiropodist also can check for irregularities or any foot conditions. For example, they may discover an unrecognized bone spur, flat arch, or even a cut or scratch on your foot that would otherwise go unnoticed.
This proactive measure can help address foot conditions or issues before they become serious.
5. Get your nails professionally cut or trimmed
Leave it to the professionals to cut or trim your nails. Whether you have a cracked or split toenail, it's not worth exacerbating the issue. Instead of trying to DIY (do-it-yourself), have it done during a medical pedicure to ensure the toenail is trimmed and curved off.
6. Get footwork done in a safe, private, and sterilized environment
A medical pedicure is performed at a clinic in a safe, quiet, private, and sterilized environment. Avoid the crowds of nail salons by getting a medical pedicure done in an environment you trust.
All treatments from a chiropodist are performed using medical-grade products and a fresh set of sterilized instruments for each client. The sterilization process used by chiropodists will remove and kill all forms of life that should not be transferred between individuals, in particular micro-organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores.
Our clinic is conveniently located at 2481 Bloor St W in Toronto, just steps from the Jane subway station.
7. Treat fungal toenail infections
Chiropodists treat fungal toenail infections using mechanical reduction of the nail and topical prescription medications.
8. Moisturizes your feet
Finish off with your medical pedicure with foot moisturizer. Our foot specialists high-quality medical-strength moisturizing products as part of the treatment. In addition to leaving your feet soft and smooth, effective moisturizing strengthens the skin, restores elasticity, and can help ward off several skin conditions.
9. Callus debridement
A chiropodist can remove thickened calluses during a medical pedicure. Calluses are thickened and hardened layers of skin that develop as a result of pressure or friction. It is the skin’s way of protecting itself from these external forces. Calluses may appear yellow, white, or grey in hue and can be accompanied by dry scaling skin and even fissures. Calluses can have some side effects including altering your gait and could lead to other foot conditions if you're not careful.
10. Cleans your feet to eliminate onychophosis
During your medical pedicure, a specialist cleans underneath the toenails to eliminate any onychophosis. Onychophosis — the term used for the buildup of skin cells in the nail folds, plate, and cuticles — can cause thickened toenails and lead to other problems as we age. Proactively addressing this buildup is key for preventing future conditions down the line.
August 8, 2022
With summer finally in full swing, it’s time to get your feet in tip-top shape! Get ready to show off your toes in those sexy new sandals with a medical pedicure. A medical pedicure is a great way to clean up and refresh your toes, just in time to hit the beach. Today we will discuss what happens during a medical pedicure and break down the medical pedicure process, from toenail trimming to callused skin removal.
What is a medical pedicure?
A medical pedicure is a procedure performed by your foot care specialist. During this service, the foot specialist (a chiropodist) will examine your feet and determine the best course of action to get them in pristine condition. Also known as a “medi-pedi”, a medical pedicure deals with issues that go far beyond just the aesthetics of your feet. They tackle medical concerns like ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, cracked heels, and even fungal infections.
Feet First Clinic can help treat and prevent ingrown toenails by properly trimming and cutting your nails.
All medical pedicures are different. Your practitioner will select a foot care regimen catered to your unique needs. While a medi-pedi is still a relaxing experience that will get your feet feeling their best, their main priority is to focus on the health of your feet and prevent further medical issues from occurring.
Why choose a medical pedicure over a regular pedicure?
Unlike a cosmetic pedicure, a medical pedicure is performed by a chiropodist, who specializes in conditions affecting the feet. This makes it an excellent option for people with underlying medical conditions. If you have diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases, a medi-pedi is one of your safest options. There is a minimal risk of infection, and the medical pedicure is performed in a sterile medical setting by a qualified foot specialist. A medical pedicure is not painful.
While a cosmetic pedicure's primary focus is on making your feet look good, a medical pedicure focuses on treating the root cause of your foot issues and preventing more problems in the future. A medical pedicure looks at the condition of both your toenails and the skin of your feet. Treating underlying skin and nail issues affecting your feet allows you to experience improved foot health, which can in turn improve your overall health and make walking will be more comfortable. No nail polish is applied during a medical pedicure.
Plus, during a medical pedicure, you can ensure that you get the highest level of service that has been catered to your unique needs.
What Does the Medical Pedicure Process Look Like?
If it's your first time receiving a medical pedicure, you may be wondering what you can expect from this service. While it may be a different experience from a cosmetic pedicure, we are confident that you will find it just as therapeutic and relaxing.
Prior to your appointment, it is important to ensure that all nail polish is removed.
Step 1: Examination
The first step of a medical pedicure is the examination. Your chiropodist will check for any underlying foot conditions affecting the skin and toenails. They will inspect your feet for cuts and infections. They will also check for any irregularities, like ingrown toenails, toenail discolouration, warts, corns or foot fungus.
Step 2: Nail Care
Next, your chiropodist will trim and file your toenails. This will ensure that they remain at the proper length to prevent ingrown nails and promote healthy, proper nail growth. The chiropodist can address any toenail concerns at this time, like toenail fungus or thickened toenails.
Step 3: Skin Care
The next step involves dealing with dry skin, corns and calluses. Over time, the friction of your feet rubbing on your shoes and the ground can cause skin build-up. This can lead to a bump on the skin, excessively dry skin, and pain when walking. Using specialized tools, your practitioner will gently remove this excess skin, leaving your feet softer and smoother than before. This process is painless. The chiropodist will then apply medical-grade moisturizer to leave your skin soft and smooth.
Step 4: Recommendations
At the end, your chiropodist will make recommendations to maintain your foot health. This can include at-home care, follow-up treatments and ongoing maintenance. If the chiropodist suspects other foot conditions (i.e.: a biomechanical issue that could be causing excessive calluses or ingrown toenails), they may also recommend a foot assessment.
After your medical pedicure is complete, your feet will feel rejuvenated and refreshed. You will be ready to show off your feet in those new, open-toe shoes and can feel confident that all your foot concerns have been adequately addressed.
December 10, 2021
Why are dry feet so common in the winter? While dry skin can occur during other seasons, it certainly seems to stop many people in their tracks as soon as the temperatures dip.
There are many reasons why dry skin is more likely to occur during the winter. For starters, people often take more hot baths and showers during the winter, which can damage the skin's natural protective barrier. Cold, harsh winds also impact the skin's ability to produce natural moisturizing oils.
Perhaps the biggest culprit behind dry skin during the winter is dry air. Penn Medicine explains that cold, outdoor dry air consistently "sucks the moisture out of the skin." Dry air is also regularly blasted out of indoor furnaces during the winter, making the skin just as vulnerable in heated spaces. Furthermore, dry air specifically targets the outer layers of the skin, which makes foot care products that penetrate the skin and target the deepest layers essential!
It's a good idea to be proactive about dry skin during the winter. Severe dry skin can cause several complications, such as flaking, cracks, bleeding, stinging and itching. If not properly treated, these symptoms can make the winter unbearable.
Luckily, Feet First Toronto has several medicinal products in-store that work to protect your skin's natural resiliency and restore moisture. These products are perfect for both foot health enthusiasts and holiday stocking stuffer ideas! Let's look at some of the top foot care products for dry winter feet, which also come recommended by Toronto chiropodists.
Top Recommended Products to Help With Your Winter Dry Feet
Dermal Therapy Cream
Gehwol's Fusskraft Red
Gehwol's Lipidro Cream
Gehwol's Medical Salve For Cracked Skin
Dermal Therapy Cream
Treats cracked heels
Fast results
While some products are all about quick fixes, Dermal Therapy Cream strives to deliver a long term solution to your dry skin. It's also a Feet First Clinic favourite and is made right here in Toronto! Dermal Therapy Cream focuses on helping soothe cracked heels; however, it also relieves dry skin on the rest of your feet and lower legs (and you can use whatever is left over on your hands!). It works by delivering moisture deep into the skin while smoothing and exfoliating the surface skin.
The most important ingredient is urea, which makes up 25% of the cream. According to Web MD, Urea is a keratolytic that helps soften skin by "softening/dissolving the keratins that hold the top layer of skin cells together." Urea also keeps moisture locked into the deepest layers of the skin to ensure your feet stay moisturized long after you apply it.
This product is fragrance-free, which is excellent news for those with allergies and skin sensitivities. It also has a nice and silky consistency, differing from many products that can be greasy and difficult to get off your hands and fingers after you apply them.
Dermal's Therapy Cream is easy to use. For maximum effect, slightly dampen your feet, heels or lower legs before use. Next, simply apply a fingernail-size amount of cream to the problem area three to five times per day. With Dermal Therapy Cream, you'll notice your dry skin start to improve quickly! Many people see results after one to three uses.
Gehwol's Fusskraft Red
Warming qualities
Treats dry skin
Helps with circulation, aches, and pains
Another useful – and multipurpose - product you can try this winter is Gehwol's Fusskraft Red warming balm. It's full of medically moisturizing ingredients, including lanolin, a natural oil famous for its conditioning qualities and the ability to combat dry skin. Other active ingredients include climbazole, which helps battle eczema and fungal skin infections, and camphor oil, which soothes skin irritation and itchiness. These emollients(moisturizers) work to heal brittle, cracked skin. Fusskraft Red also has subtle notes of rosemary, mountain pine, and lavender.
Gehwol’s Fusskraft Red does more than heal dry winter feet: it also has hygienic properties and can help with foot pain. Extracts of ginger and paprika and the essential oils help trigger blood flow and soothe aches and pains. Many people need this after a long day standing or walking in the cold. Healthy blood flow also helps warm your feet and lower legs, hence the name "warming balm." All in all, it's the perfect product to get you through the winter without dry skin and tired feet.
To use Gehwol's Fusskraft Red, apply 1-2 cm of cream to the feet daily. After consistent use, your skin will look and feel brand new.
Gehwol's Lipidro Cream
Soothes sensitive and itchy skin
Long-lasting relief
Replenishes and restores the skin’s ability to produce moisture
The Lipidro Cream from Gehwol is another top-notch solution to your dry skin woes, and a long-time fan-favourite. It comes highly recommended by the chiropodists at Feet First Clinic and is even used during treatments! Active ingredients include urea, avocado oil and sea buckthorn oil. It also has glycerin, a humectant (moisturizing agent) that protects your skin from the elements (dry, heated spaces and cold air) and retains moisture.
One of the key ingredients in Lipidro cream that sets it apart is its fatty acids. Fatty acids (along with oils) are lipids that occur naturally in the skin and play a crucial role in the skin’s natural moisturizing processes (hence why it’s called “Lipid-ro” cream). Lipidro cream works by supplementing and replenishing lipids in the skin, which improve your skin's natural ability to produce moisture - something dry skin desperately needs!
You may notice that other products often quickly evaporate and force you to apply much more frequently – not Lipidro cream! Thanks to the fatty acids, lipids and urea, Gehwol’s Lipidro cream is designed to penetrate deep into the skin’s layers to offer a deep-rooted and long-lasting solution to winter dryness. This makes it great for not only fighting dry skin and cracked heels during the winter, but preventing them too! Lipidro cream also protects against other common skin issues like callus and corn formation.
On top of that, Lipidro cream helps to soothe the nuisance of itchy skin. Constantly scratching affected areas can prevent the skin from healing and cause bleeding, so relief from irritation is extra important!
Last, but not least, Gehwol's Lipidro cream is fragrance-free. For the best results, apply twice per day and thoroughly rub it into the skin each time.
Gehwol's Med Salve For Cracked Skin
Treats cracked heels
Prevents dry skin complications
When you have severely dry skin, it's crucial to ensure it doesn't become too inflamed or cracked. These complications lead to an overall worse situation and can cause bleeding and soreness. For those reasons, Gehwol's Med Salve may be your best bet.
Gehwol's Med Salve contains medicinal soaps, lanolin, zinc oxide, and oils of rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus. It also has Vaseline, which contains of petroleum jelly and is known for restoring moisture. Healthline notes petroleum jelly as one of the most beneficial and powerful moisturizers around, as it "sits on top of the skin, where it forms a barrier and prevents water from leaving your skin." Another active ingredient in this salve is menthol, which works as a cooling agent and is often used in products that treat painful skin conditions. The lanolin and medicinal soaps also work to soothe inflammation and skin irritation.
Chiropodists suggest using Gehwol's Med Salve as a part of a treatment plan for cracked heels. It works by softening hardened skin, restoring the skin's natural resiliency, and activating the overall healing process.
To use Gehwol's med salve, apply twice per day. If you have a severe case of cracked heels or dry skin, you can cover the area with a moist cloth after applying a heavier amount. Since this salve is great for recurring skin concerns, it's important to continue to use it to prevent flare-ups.
November 9, 2021
Do you have pain on the top of your foot accompanied by a small, hard lump? Or perhaps you notice the same feeling on or in between your toes, but the lump is softer? You think to yourself it could be a plantar wart or a foot callus, or perhaps a foot condition you never even heard of before. In fact, there is another condition that may be the culprit: foot corns.
Corns are little nuisances that have some similarities to calluses and warts. They are generally caused by friction, pressure and your shoes rubbing against vulnerable areas of your feet. Corns are typically painful and, depending on the type, hard or rubbery. Let's learn as much as we can about corns, including what causes them, the different types of corns, and how to treat them!
What Are Corns?
A corn is an area of round and painful skin with a thick hardened centre (called the "core") and an inflamed surrounding area. They may feel hard, rubbery or soft, depending on the type. Their small, circular appearance and hardened feel resemble pieces of corn, hence the name. That said, the medical term for a foot corn is a heloma, or a "focal intractable plantar hyperkeratosis," according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Corns tend to affect areas of the foot with thinner skin, differing from many other foot conditions that affect the areas of the foot that bear the most weight. Since a corn is technically a callosity, many people may confuse one with a callus.
What Is The Difference Between a Foot Corn And a Foot Callus?
General knowledge about corns is always useful, especially if you suspect you have one. One thing to note is the main differences between a foot corn and the slightly similar foot callus. Mayo Clinic notes the following key differences between the two:
Corns are smaller and have a defined hardened centre.
Corns can be painful, while calluses generally are not.
The shape of calluses can vary, and they are more "spread out." Corns are always a rounder shape.
Types of Corns
There are three types of corns: hard corns, soft corns and seed corns.
Hard corns are - as you may have guessed - harder and thicker than the other types. Hard corns are generally what first comes to mind when we think of foot corns, and have the yellowish/beige colour you might expect from a corn. Hard corns form on the top or side of the toes, which are both areas with more bone pressure against the skin. A large area of thick skin usually surrounds a hard corn.
Soft corns are more "squishy" than hard corns and have a whiteish/grey tint. These corns are commonly found between the toes and have a rubbery texture. According to HealthLink BC, soft corns may form when "sweat is trapped where the corn develops." Because they are softer, one may confuse a soft corn with a blister. However, they are very different: Blisters are filled with fluid, whereas soft corns are not.
Lastly, there are seed corns. Seed corns are tiny and located on the bottom of the foot, often on the soles. It's important not to confuse a seed corn with a plantar wart. One way to tell the difference between a corn and a wart is by noting any size changes. Seed corns typically remain tiny, while plantar warts can become larger. Furthermore, plantar warts sometimes have black or brown dots inside them, or "wart seeds."
What Causes Corns?
Like calluses, the main offenders behind corns are friction and pressure. That is why they tend to develop in areas on the foot that are vulnerable to friction and pressure. Hard corns develop when friction and pressure damages the outer layer of the skin. The body tries to protect the area beneath the damaged skin by forming a hard surface. Numerous factors can contribute to the development of foot corns. These include:
Wearing shoes that are ill-fitting and frequently rub against your feet. Examples include tight running shoes and high heels. Specifically, shoes that are too narrow can cause friction against areas that are more vulnerable to foot corns. This includes the top of your feet and the top and side of your toes.
Wearing shoes without socks. This leads to excessive friction between your skin and your shoes. High-quality socks can protect your feet from excessive friction.
Having a pre-existing foot condition that alters the normal alignment of the bones in your feet, such as hammertoes or bunions.
Spending too much time barefoot.
Your gait may contribute to corn development if you place excessive pressure on the edges of your feet when you walk.
Playing sports without proper footwear.
Wearing ill-fitting or non-protective socks.
How Can You Prevent And Treat Corns?
Luckily, foot corns are very easy to treat. Sometimes they may go away on their own, but if your corn is disruptive and causing you pain, a visit with a Toronto foot specialist should clear the problem right up. Chiropodists can safely remove corns by shaving them down with sterilized tools (do not try this at home!). A chiropodist can also ensure aftercare by applying moisturizer and ointment to the affected area. The treatment is painless and should provide immediate relief. Corns can come back, so follow-up treatments may sometimes be needed.
To help prevent your corns from coming back - or prevent them altogether - we strongly recommend ditching shoes that are too narrow or constricting. In order to reduce friction, all your shoes should provide enough room in the toe box and accommodate your foot width. This will also help you recover faster from the corns you currently have. The knowledgeable staff at Feet First Clinic can help you find quality shoes that fit properly so your feet won't be plagued by corns - a service that sets Feet First Clinic apart from the rest! Be sure to check out our footwear product catalogue for ideas for your next pair of comfy shoes!
Other treatment and prevention options include toe protection products, which pad the parts of your foot most vulnerable to corns. A good foot care regime will also go a long way towards preventing corns, as well as calluses and many other common foot conditions: Soaking your feet in warm water and using a foot file helps remove excess dead skin, while moisturizing daily helps strengthen the resiliency of the skin on your feet.
November 2, 2021
What's that bump on the top of your foot? It could be a bone spur. It could be a blister. It could even be gout, a wart, or a corn. It could also be what's known as a ganglion cyst. Like a bone spur and a blister, this is a visible condition that commonly affects the top of the foot, as well as the ankle and heel. They can also occur in other areas.
In this article, you'll learn more about ganglion cysts, how to spot them, treatment methods, and the severity of this foot condition. Additionally, we'll outline some distinctive features so it's easier to differentiate between a ganglion cyst and other common foot conditions.
But first, let's start with the first burning question: what is it?
Ganglion cyst: What is it?
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps - or nodules - that commonly develop along the tendons or joints of your wrists or hands. Specifically, these are the most common spots:
The base of the fingers on the palm, where they appear as small pea-sized bumps
The fingertip, just below the cuticle, where they are called mucous cysts
The outside of the knee and ankle
The top of the foot
As foot specialists, we're going to focus on ganglion cysts on the foot - namely the top of the foot and along the ankle.
In terms of what this condition looks like, ganglion cysts are often round or oval in shape. They're filled with a jelly-like fluid. They're quite small - roughly the size of a pea - but can grow to roughly 2.5 cm in diameter. They can be soft or firm, can change in size, and are painless.
What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst on the foot?
Unlike some foot conditions, like osteoarthritis or tendonitis, ganglion cysts are visible to the eye. It looks like a small skin-coloured water balloon or even a water droplet on the surface of the skin. This distinction makes it immediately easier to recognize. Specifically, common symptoms include:
A soft bump that can change sizes (due to fluid moving in and out of the cyst) but doesn’t necessarily move
Swelling
May get smaller, disappear altogether, and even come back
Some pain is possible, especially if the cyst affects joint movement
Notably, there isn't necessarily a colour change. Discolouration for instance would be more common for a plantar wart or a corn, two other foot conditions visible to the eye. Instead, a ganglion cyst looks like an extension of your skin.
What is the cause of a ganglion cyst?
There is no one known root causes for a ganglion cyst. Common theories include trauma to the area that causes small micro-cysts that then contribute to one larger cyst. Another theory is that there may be a flaw in the joint capsule. This in turn allows the joint tissue to bulge out further than intended. Flaws could be caused by osteoarthritis, or trauma to the area (i.e.: a fracture, cut, etc.).
Your sex and age can influence the chance of developing a cyst. Although it can occur in anyone, women between the age of 20 and 40 are most at risk, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How serious is a ganglion cyst?
In and of itself, a ganglion cyst does not pose any health concern. However, if the cyst presses on a nearby nerve, you may begin to experience mild to moderate pain. In these cases, the severity of the condition depends on the byproduct of pain.
How do you get rid of a ganglion cyst?
As cysts are often painless, no further treatment is required. However, your doctor may recommend taking further action if they see fit. This can be as a precaution or a measure to reduce pain. Specifically, treatments include:
Immobilization. Because activity and irritation can cause the ganglion cyst to grow, it can help to immobilize the area with a brace or splint. As the cyst shrinks, it may release the pressure on your nerves, relieving pain.
Aspiration. In this procedure, your doctor uses a needle to drain the fluid from the cyst, followed by an injection into the skin lesion to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Surgery. Any invasive option is typically seen as a last resort. This procedure involves removing the cyst and the stalk that attaches it to the joint or tendon. Though not common, the surgery can injure the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or tendons. And the cyst can, of course, reoccur. Reminder: with any surgery, you should consider the associated risks.
