Cyst and Wart Removal at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, offers expert cyst and wart removal services to help alleviate discomfort, restore skin health, and prevent potential complications. Cysts and warts, though common skin conditions, can cause pain, irritation, or cosmetic concerns, especially when they develop on the feet. Our team of skilled podiatrists and orthopedic specialists uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques to safely and effectively remove cysts and warts, ensuring a quick recovery and long-lasting relief.

What are Cysts and Warts?

While both cysts and warts are growths that can appear on the skin, they differ in their causes, appearance, and treatment methods. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Cysts

Cysts are closed, sac-like structures that can form under the skin and are filled with fluid, semi-solid material, or air. They are often benign and painless, but they can become uncomfortable or infected, particularly when located on weight-bearing areas like the feet.

Common types of cysts include:

• Ganglion Cysts: These are fluid-filled lumps that typically develop around joints or tendons. On the foot, they most commonly appear on the top of the foot or near the ankle.
• Epidermoid Cysts: These are small, benign lumps beneath the skin caused by the accumulation of keratin, a protein found in skin cells. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet.
• Mucoid Cysts: These cysts develop near the nails and are often associated with osteoarthritis in the toe joints.

Warts

Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by a viral infection, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the body but are particularly troublesome when they develop on the soles of the feet, known as plantar warts. These warts grow inward due to pressure from standing and walking, often causing pain or tenderness.

Key characteristics of warts include:

• Raised or Flat Appearance: Warts may appear as raised bumps or flat growths, depending on the location and type of wart.
• Rough Texture: Most warts have a rough, grainy surface and may appear grayish, yellowish, or brownish.
• Black Dots: Plantar warts often have small black dots in the center, which are tiny clotted blood vessels.

Causes of Cysts and Warts

The causes of cysts and warts are different, and understanding their origins can help in determining the appropriate treatment plan.

Causes of Cysts

Cysts can form due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Blocked Glands: When sweat glands or sebaceous glands become blocked, cysts can form under the skin.
• Trauma or Injury: Injury to the skin or underlying tissues, such as a sprain or overuse, can lead to the development of a ganglion cyst.
• Degenerative Joint Conditions: Cysts like mucoid cysts often develop in response to underlying arthritis or joint degeneration, especially around the toes and nails.
• Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing cysts due to hereditary factors.

Causes of Warts

Warts are caused by an infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Key factors that increase the likelihood of developing warts include:

• Direct Contact: Warts can spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as floors in communal areas like gyms or swimming pools.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes or autoimmune disorders, are more prone to developing warts.
• Warm, Moist Environments: Warts, especially plantar warts, thrive in warm and moist environments, making the feet a common site for infection, particularly for those who frequently walk barefoot in communal spaces.

Symptoms of Cysts and Warts

Both cysts and warts can present various symptoms, depending on their size, location, and severity.

Symptoms of Cysts

Cysts are often painless, but they can cause discomfort or complications, particularly if they are located on weight-bearing areas of the foot. Common symptoms of cysts include:

• Visible Lump or Swelling: Cysts appear as round, raised lumps under the skin. They may vary in size, from small pea-sized growths to larger, more prominent lumps.
• Tenderness or Pain: While many cysts are painless, they can become tender or painful, especially if they are pressed by shoes or irritated by physical activity.
• Limited Range of Motion: Cysts that develop near joints or tendons may restrict movement or cause stiffness in the affected area.
• Infection: If a cyst becomes infected, it may become red, swollen, warm to the touch, and filled with pus, requiring immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Warts

Warts, especially plantar warts, can cause significant discomfort when located on the feet. Common symptoms of warts include:

• Pain or Tenderness: Plantar warts can be particularly painful when walking or standing, as they grow inward and press against the sensitive tissues of the foot.
• Rough, Raised Growths: Warts often appear as rough, grainy bumps on the skin, and may feel hard to the touch.
• Black Dots: The presence of small black dots within the wart is a common sign of plantar warts, which are clotted blood vessels.
• Thickened Skin: Over time, warts may cause the skin around them to thicken or harden, contributing to further discomfort.

Diagnosis of Cysts and Warts

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, our specialists will perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose cysts and warts and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. The diagnostic process includes:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Your doctor will review your medical history, including any previous occurrences of cysts or warts, and perform a physical examination of the affected area to assess the size, location, and severity of the growth.
• Imaging Tests for Cysts: In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to determine the extent of the cyst, especially if it is located near joints or tendons. These tests help assess whether the cyst is causing any underlying structural issues or contributing to other symptoms.
• Dermatoscopy for Warts: For warts, a dermatoscopy may be used to closely examine the surface of the wart and distinguish it from other skin growths, such as calluses or corns.

Treatment Options for Cysts and Warts

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we offer a range of non-surgical and surgical treatment options for cyst and wart removal, depending on the type, size, and severity of the growth.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Cysts

For many cysts, non-surgical treatments are effective in reducing discomfort and preventing further complications. Common non-surgical treatment options include:

• Aspiration: If the cyst is filled with fluid, needle aspiration may be performed to drain the fluid and relieve pressure. This is a quick and minimally invasive procedure, though cysts may sometimes recur after aspiration.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For cysts that are causing inflammation or pain, corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
• Observation: In cases where the cyst is small and asymptomatic, your doctor may recommend a “wait-and-see” approach, monitoring the cyst over time to ensure it does not grow or cause further issues.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Warts

Most warts can be effectively treated with non-surgical methods that target the virus and promote the destruction of the wart tissue. Common non-surgical treatments for warts include:

• Cryotherapy (Freezing): Cryotherapy is one of the most common treatments for warts. It involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing it to blister and eventually fall off. This treatment is particularly effective for plantar warts and may require multiple sessions for complete removal.
• Topical Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription salicylic acid or other topical treatments can be applied directly to the wart to dissolve the layers of infected skin. These treatments are most effective when used consistently over several weeks.
• Laser Therapy: Laser treatment uses a focused beam of light to target and destroy the wart tissue. This is an excellent option for patients with persistent warts that have not responded to other treatments.

Surgical Treatment for Cysts and Warts

In cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective, or if the cyst or wart is large, painful, or infected, surgical removal may be necessary. Our specialists offer minimally invasive surgical techniques to ensure a quick recovery and minimal scarring.

• Cyst Removal Surgery: For cysts that are large, recurrent, or causing significant pain, surgical excision may be performed to remove the cyst and prevent it from returning. The procedure involves making a small incision and carefully removing the entire cyst and its contents.
• Wart Excision: In cases of persistent or painful warts, surgical excision may be performed to remove the wart entirely. This is typically done under local anesthesia, and the area is carefully stitched to promote healing.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after cyst or wart removal is generally quick, especially with non-surgical treatments. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two, though it’s important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent recurrence.

• For Cysts: After surgical removal, the incision site will be bandaged, and you may be advised to keep the area clean and dry. Stitches may be required, depending on the size of the cyst, and these will be removed during a follow-up appointment.
• For Warts: Following wart removal, it’s essential to protect the treated area from infection and avoid picking at the healing skin. If you underwent cryotherapy or laser treatment, the wart may blister before it falls off, and your doctor will provide guidance on how to care for the area as it heals.

Why Choose Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute for Cyst and Wart Removal?

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for patients dealing with cysts and warts. Here’s why patients choose us:

• Experienced Specialists: Our team of board-certified podiatrists and orthopedic specialists has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of cysts and warts, ensuring effective and safe removal.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: We use the latest techniques to ensure that cyst and wart removal is as minimally invasive as possible, promoting faster recovery and reducing the risk of complications.
• Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to treatment and aftercare, we provide comprehensive services to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.

If you’re experiencing discomfort or cosmetic concerns due to cysts or warts, the team at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our cyst and wart removal services.