Soft lump near my ankle

Teapot

Good afternoon everyone
Has anyone experienced a jelly like lump, bit bigger than a pea near the ankle bone. I showed this to Consultant Reumy when I had my first appointment at beginning of June. I actually went because my hands and fingers were giving me a lot of stiffness and pain. the lump on my foot was cauing me no problem, no pain, sorness or swelling BUT he seemed not too interested in my hands and said it was wear and tear ! I am 67 and have used a keyboard all my working life. He was more interested in the foot lump. This was soft and squiggy. He said he would put a needle in and draw off some fluid, he said it would cause a little pain. That was an understatement. He did not numb it at all and when he proceeded to draw off the fluid the pain was so intense I almost passed out and demanded he stopped which he did. For about a week to 10 days the area became bruised swollen and I thought it was because he put a needle in. Anyway eventually I had to go to my GP because it became infected, red, hot and verypainful in that area. I was given 2 weeks antibiotics and my GP order a scan, appointment not through yet. I am still in pain and swollen in that area and the pain is more like a nerve pain which keeps me awake at night. I am due to see Consultant on Monday but wondered if anyone else has had this. My GP said it was a ganglion and they are best left alone but too late now. Any advice would be appreciated especially how to play this when I see Consultant. It has ruined my holiday with grandchildren over the last month so I am in a angry mood at the moment. Also what ever shoes or sandle I wear rub against the swelling lump but it never irritated before he put needle in. Thanks for reading this and I am sorry if it goes on a bit.

Boomer13

Hi;

Your ankle lump sounds very painful indeed. Did your rheum draw off any fluid? If so, was it biopsied?

I have a couple of ganglions, one on my wrist and one on my thumb. They are very painful especially when bumped so I can't imagine having a shoe rub one on an ankle, ouch!

The ganglion on my wrist I used to bump/rub all the time when I was working and it was continually painful. I had a steroid injection (with lidocaine freezing!) near it, but not directly into it. The irritation from where the needle situated must have been close to a nerve because it made it quite a bit worse for a week or so. Ouch, it was definitely nerve pain and kept me up many nights. Then it improved and the lump got smaller for a few months. I have an unstable wrist, so the more I use it the larger the lump gets. Since I don't do much anymore, now it pretty much stays the same size. I don't pursue treatments. The one on my thumb goes up and down with flares of PsA.

I do use alternating hot-cold compresses when these are painful (well, mostly hot) Have you tried using heat/cold? I'm sorry you have this and it was made painful by a doc. I hope you get some help with it at your next appt.

Best wishes, Anna

Teapot

Good evening
Many thanks for your answer it does help to know I am not the only one. Although sorry I would not wish it on anyone. The Reumy did not say if he had got some fluid out as I had to ask him to stop but he sent me for Xray and I hope to get results on Monday but my GP said this will only show bones and a scan is needed. I am waiting for that appointment If he wants to take fluid on Monday he will have to freeze because it hurt so bad. Yes the pain is nerve pain which make me think that he definitly hit a nerve or went close to it going from what you have said. I appreciate you answering and I understand a bit more now about ganglions, Did your doc say what causes them. I am waiting to be properly diagnosed as yet they have put unidentified arthritis so at moment am not sure is a have OA of RA or an arthritis which may be linked to my psioiris. Many thanks and hope you keep well and have a good night.

Boomer13

I believe my ganglions are related to enthesitis which can occur in psoriatic arthritis. You may know this already but enthesitis is inflammation where the tendons/ligaments insert into bone. In the case of ganglions occurring without an inflammatory disease present, I believe they occur because of stress and strain.

I'm only expert at being a patient though. I'm not a professional healthcare person.

I developed more serious problems with joints, etc, so the ganglions were shuffled down the priority list. I wear wrist splints to help stabilize the joint. The one on the thumb I can't really do anything for, except try not to bump it!! Maybe an ankle support could help you? I'd ask a doc or physiotherapist first though. Mine really helps with the wrist.

Are you having an MRI? That should show if you have enthesitis-problems in your ankle. Interesting that you mention you have psoriasis.

Good luck, I hope the docs figure it out for you and reduce your pain.
Anna

DebbieT

Hi,

Wen I first read your post I thought he may have been checking for piezogenic papules relating to Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, I know one of the types at least, has soft-painless, pea sized lumps on the ankles. It's also diagnosed by Rheumatologists. Having read thru all of the comments tho it does seem that ganglions are more likely.

Im glad I'm not a Dr with all of these possibilities :?

I have psoriasis, My arthritis is Psoriatic. Does your rheumy know you have skin psoriasis? I hope he treats you in a much kinder way on Monday!!
Good luck.x

Teapot

Thanks everyone for the info. My Rheumy does know I have Psoriasis and my GP is treating this very effectively. He prescribes moisturiser, shampoo to use twice a week and also shower lotion. I avoid scented product on my skin and after 6 years things seem to be improving flare ups come when I get stressed. Now I just need to sort out what type of R I have and I hopefully will know more on Monday ! Not looking forward to appointment as am a bit angry so need to put a smile on my face for appointment but at the same time express my concern about my foot. Thanks again All have a good weekend

dreamdaisy

My husband has one of these lumps on his right forearm, it's been there for years now but doesn't cause him any trouble. He has the occasional bout of gout and high BP but no other health troubles.

I think ganglions are one of those human oddities that can occur just because they can; it is tempting, however, to blame all extra oddities on being arthritic. I am distressed that your rheumatologist drew off fluid but maybe he was so lost in his specialism he forgot to be prudent. That can happen, it's another oddity of the human condition. DD

Teapot

Thanks Dreamdaisy - I am sure you are right. I had no problem at all with this jelly lump until Rheumy put the needle in. I feel now that it should have been left alone and that is also my GPs opinion. I showed it to Rheumy out of cruiosity only - I will know better next time. I will see what tomorrow brings when I have my appointment. Thanks again and have a good night