Can a cyst in the foot cause numbness in that region?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 39-year-old male. I have a cyst on the top of my left foot, which is causing me to lose all feeling in that foot if I wear anything other than flip-flops. The doctor, a year ago, said it was a floating cyst and refused to let me see a foot specialist or get a second opinion. The doctor ordered an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) with contrast, and it showed that the cyst was wrapped around the nerves and muscles in my left foot, but the images did not show if the cyst was connected to the muscle, nerves, or both, and only that it was wrapped around them.

I am waiting for the EMG (electromyography) test and NCV (nerve conduction velocity) test to be completed later this month before I get to see the surgeon. I am trying to get an idea of what kind of recovery I need and how long. I would like to know the best-case scenario and the worst-case scenario. I have not been able to work because of this cyst.

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

I sincerely empathise with your condition. I would like to know a few more details about your cyst.

Is the swelling on your foot nodular or cystic (fluctuant)?
Is the cyst painful?
Is it mobile?
Is there any weakness or numbness in the foot?
What is the exact location of the cyst?
Did the MRI of the foot disclose any details of the cyst? Origin of the cyst? Contents of the cyst? Fluid-filled?

In most cases, cysts located in the extremities turn out to be ganglion cysts, originating from the tendons or joint capsules. They are benign in the sense that they do not invade the underlying tissues or spread to other areas. In a few cases, they disappear spontaneously; however, particularly in the foot, they need aspiration or surgical removal.

In your case, if it is a ganglion cyst entangled amidst nerves and muscles, it needs surgical excision. Depending on the location of the excised cyst, the recovery may vary from two to eight weeks. All the above apply to ganglion cysts, and the other causes include fibromas that are usually nodular and perineural cysts.

If the cyst is removed without injury to the surrounding structures, like peripheral nerves and tendons, you will recover completely within two to four weeks or eight weeks. Following recovery, you can rejoin your work. Be careful about your footwear to protect your foot from minor stress and trauma, as minor trauma may lead to ligament tears, which may lead to the reappearance of the cysts.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.