Surgical Management of Ganglion Cysts in the Foot

Asha Curry • November 6, 2023


Surgical Management of Ganglion Cysts in the Foot: Regaining Comfort & Mobility


Ganglion cysts, fluid-filled sacs that often form around tendons or joints in the foot, can be a source of discomfort and uncertainty for many individuals, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In Australia, podiatric surgeons are well-versed in the surgical management of ganglion cysts, offering patients a path to relief and improved foot function.


Understanding Ganglion Cysts:

Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous lumps that typically develop near the joints or tendons of the foot. While the exact cause is not always clear, they are often associated with repetitive stress or overuse of the affected area. These cysts can vary in size, and their presence may lead to discomfort when walking, exercising, or simply standing for extended periods.


When is Surgical Management Considered?

Surgical intervention becomes an option when conservative treatments, such as rest, aspiration (draining the cyst with a needle), or corticosteroid injections, do not provide lasting relief, or when the cyst returns after aspiration. Surgery may also be recommended if the cyst affects joint function, leads to instability, or causes significant pain.


The Surgical Procedure:

Ganglion cyst surgery aims to remove the cyst and its adjacent tissue. The procedure typically involves making an incision over the cyst and carefully excising it. In some cases, the surgeon may also address any underlying joint or tendon issues contributing to the cyst's development.


Recovery and Rehabilitation:

Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure, but patients can often weight bear immediately following the procedure and resume normal function within a few weeks. Post-operative physical therapy may be recommended to aid in restoring strength, flexibility, and overall foot function.


If you're experiencing the discomfort of a ganglion cyst in your foot, don't hesitate to consult with a qualified podiatric surgeon at MJ Taranto Foot and Ankle Podiatric Surgeons to explore the options available to help you regain comfort, mobility, and improved quality of life.

The Nail That Wouldn’t Behave – A Story About Ingrown Toenails

By Asha Curry • September 2, 2025
Meet Jack. He’s 14, loves soccer, and spends most afternoons running around the pitch with his mates. But for the last couple of years, he’s been hobbling more than sprinting. The culprit? A troublesome toenail on his big toe that has become so painful and embarrassing that he no longer wants to take his socks off in front of his friends. At first, Jack shrugged it off. “It’s just a bit sore,” he told his mum. But soon, the toe became red, swollen, and tender to even the lightest touch. Wearing his footy boots felt like stepping on a Lego brick every time he moved. Then the tissue around the toe started to get bigger and would bleed whenever it was knocked. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Ingrown toenails are incredibly common in kids and adolescents — often thanks to active lifestyles, tight shoes, or nails that just grow in awkward shapes. Adults aren’t immune either — anyone can get them. The good news? This is not something you have to put up with. Step one is usually conservative care from your podiatrist. We can gently remove the offending nail edge, reduce inflammation, and give you tips to stop it from coming back — like proper nail trimming techniques and footwear advice. But sometimes, as in Jack’s case, the nail problem keeps coming back to cause trouble and the tissue inflammation is too much to benefit from non-surgical measures. That’s when we can offer some surgical solutions. This can range from a simple surgical procedure, done under local anaesthetic, to a more invasive procedure which is usually done as a day procedure in a day surgery or hospital. As Jack’s problem was recurrent, we suggested a more permanent procedure to remove the sections of nail and skin that were problematic, under general anaesthetic (Jack was asleep and had no pain). Jack had the surgery. Three weeks later, he was back on the field, scoring goals without a second thought about his toe. His mum says the only regret was not getting it sorted sooner. If you or your child are dealing with a stubborn, sore toenail, remember: you don’t have to live with it. There is a definitive solution — and we’re here to help you find it. 

Walking on Eggshells: Jane's Story

By Asha Curry • May 6, 2025
When Jane turned 58, she started noticing a bump forming on the side of her big toe. At first, it didn’t bother her much — just a little rubbing in her shoes. But over time, her bunion got bigger, and her second toe started curling upwards. It wasn’t long before even short walks became painful. She thought the pain was “just part of getting older,” but her knees and hips had started aching too. Why? Because her body was compensating for her sore feet. Jane's gait (the way she walked) had changed, putting extra pressure on other joints. She also started feeling less steady on her feet, especially when barefoot or in slippers. Finding shoes was another challenge — nothing seemed to fit comfortably anymore. Fashion took a back seat to function, and even then, her shoes still hurt by the end of the day. Eventually, Jane reached out for help. What Are Bunions and Hammer Toes? Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe that cause the toe to shift out of alignment. Hammer toes are bent, curled toes that can develop from the pressure caused by bunions or from muscle imbalances. Both conditions can cause pain, difficulty walking, and trouble finding shoes that fit. What Can Be Done? Thankfully, Jane had options. Non-surgical treatment included: - Custom orthoses (prescription shoe inserts) to support her feet and reduce pressure. - Footwear advice to help find supportive, comfortable shoes. - Stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve balance and foot function. In some cases these options are not enough to provide symptom relief, and in Jane’s case, she explored surgical correction as her activities of daily living were being affected. Our Podiatric Surgeons explained the procedure clearly, and helped Jane understand how surgery could relieve pain, correct the deformity, and help her walk comfortably again. Ready to Take the First Step? If your feet are holding you back like Jane’s were, let’s talk. ✅ Book an appointment with one of our non-surgical podiatrists for a full assessment and personalised treatment plan. ✅ Or, if you’d like to explore surgical options, you can book a consultation with one of our Podiatric Surgeons, Julie Taranto or Michael Taranto.