Ganglian and On and On...

As previously mentioned, I went to my podiatrist's over a week ago to have him look at the large "goose egg" bump which had been developing below the surface of my skin on the top of my left foot. It had began developing roughly four weeks prior and after a visit to my primary care physician, it was suggested that I visit a specialist. It was not that it hurt so much, but rather it was an irritation, but nothing that would impact my ability to train... yet.

My podiatrist determined that the bump was in fact a ganglian cyst, and he explained to me that it was the result of trauma to the joints and nerves in my foot. To quote the linked site, "It (a ganlian cyst) often occurs when there is a tear in the ligaments overlying the lining of tendons or joints and the lining herniates out of the ligamentous defect causing a bump under the skin. Because there is often inflammation associated, the inflamed tissue produces a jelly-like fluid which fills the protruding sac."

The doc aspirated (translation: stuck a needle in it to suck out the contents) the sack, drawing out the cloudy liquid/gel which had accumulated inside. He assured me it wasn't anything dangerous and said it should go away in short order. It didn't and for the past week I have had to adjust the manner in which I lace my running shoes in order to account for the sack's location when lacing.

Concerned at it's reappearance, I called the doc again today and now have an appointment for next week., at which time he will (Hopefully) remove the liquid again and perhaps (though I hope not) schedule some sort of surgery (!?). One possible side effect of all this is a slight pain in the left side of my foot, possibly the result of my unconsciously adjusting my foot strike slightly to account for the discomfort. I think I may take a fewer days rest before proceeding with my training...

Breathe in, breathe out… YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!