Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
April 4, 2025
Ganglion cysts are a common occurrence. Medically speaking, they are uncomfortable, potentially painful, fluid-filled lumps that are usually present around the joints or tendons. Ultimately, if you notice a small, round bump in a place like on your ankle or foot, it could be a ganglion cyst—and you might be wondering about treatment options.
RNV Podiatry, in McKinney, TX, specializes in diagnosing and treating these cysts. One of the potential ways to treat a ganglion cyst is through aspiration. However, aspiration is reserved for the circumstances in which that care is appropriate.
What Is Aspiration, and How Does It Work?
Aspiration is a minimally invasive and common procedure that carefully removes the fluid inside a ganglion cyst. A podiatrist begins by numbing the area around the cyst with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Once the area is prepared, the podiatrist uses a fine needle to puncture the cyst and then drain the fluid, which allows the cyst to shrink. Typically, immediate relief occurs since the pressure caused by the cyst on surrounding tissues is minimized.
When Is Aspiration the Right Choice?
Aspiration tends to be a suitable treatment method when the cyst is causing pain due to its size or because it’s impacting your everyday life. For instance, a cyst that makes it difficult for you to walk may require aspiration. However, additional treatment may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the ganglion cyst and prevent the cyst from reoccurring.
Ganglion cysts are triggered by trauma, repetitive stress, or some other form of irritation in the area. This stimulus causes the fluid to build up, resulting in the cyst. While aspiration can effectively remove the fluid, the cyst itself can be refilled if the root cause of the problem goes unaddressed.
In other words, aspiration is a treatment, but not necessarily a permanent solution. Yes, it can offer relief, but if joint or tendon problems go undiagnosed, that relief will only be temporary.
Explore Ganglion Cyst Treatment Options in McKinney, TX
There is no reason for you to live your life in pain with a ganglion cyst, especially when aspiration may be an available treatment method for you. The only way to know if aspiration will permanently resolve your ganglion cyst is to have a podiatry consultation.
Consult with one of the podiatrists at RNV Podiatry and allow them to assess factors like cyst size, location, and your level of discomfort. From there, they can determine the most effective approach for your case. By understanding how the cyst formed and exploring other therapies on an as-needed basis, the best solution can be identified for you. If you’re dealing with a ganglion cyst, RNV Podiatry near McKinney, TX, is here to help. Learn more about whether aspiration is right for you.
