If you have a cyst on your toe, you may notice a small bump. This small bump may look red and inflamed, much like a bug bite, it may look like it has a head on it, like a pimple, or it may look water-filled, like a blister. There are different types of cysts that can develop on your toes, including ganglion cysts, digital myoxiod cysts, mucoid cysts, inclusion cysts and sebaceous cysts. Each has a slightly different appearance, but the common thread with all of these cysts is that they can be painful. If you have a toe cyst, you may be wondering how it can be treated. Here are a few of the various ways to treat a toe cyst.
At-Home Treatments
If you are suffering from a cyst, there are a few tips that may help you to treat the cyst at home. One of the best treatments for cysts at home is warmth. Some people use a warm compress directly on the cyst, while others draw up a foot bath. If desired, you can add in Epsom salt while soaking your foot. It is important to note that you should not attempt to pop or puncture the cyst on your own. If the warm water pops the cyst, that is fine. But you can cause infection or further irritation by attempting to squeeze, manipulate or pop the cyst on your own. If you are in pain or notice inflammation, taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
Wearing Appropriate Footwear
Another important step to take if you have a toe cyst is to wear appropriate footwear. Wearing footwear that presses on the cyst or squishes your toes can irritate the cyst and/or cause it to grow. You want to wear footwear that is not tight, restrictive and does not push on the cyst. If you are having trouble finding appropriate footwear, you may need to get specialized footwear from a foot store or visit a podiatrist for custom orthotics.
Seeking Medical Treatment
If your toe cyst is causing pain, is growing rapidly, or is making it difficult to wear shoes or walk, you will want to schedule an appointment with a foot specialist or podiatrist. There are different treatments that can be used for toe cysts, based on the location of the cyst, the type of cyst and the symptoms you are encountering. Steroid injections can be used to control pain and decrease inflammation. Fluid draining removes fluid from the cyst, helping to reduce its size and the discomfort you feel. Lastly, surgery may be necessary, especially if the cyst is connected to a tendon or joint. Surgically removing the cyst is the only way to remove its connection to a tendon or joint, which is the only way to ensure cysts connected to tendons and joints do not come back.
In some cases, you can treat a toe cyst at home. However, in most cases, you may need professional helping in treating the symptoms of the cyst and ridding yourself of the cysts. At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, we can help you with what ails your feet. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain from a toe cyst, let us help. Call us today to schedule an appointment at our Magnolia or The Woodlands offices.
