Gentle Foot Care Clinic
📞 (813) 502-5904 | 🌐 www.gentlefootdoctor.com

You’ve had a ganglion cyst drained (aspirated). This is a fluid-filled sac that often forms on the top of the foot, ankle, or wrist. While the procedure is simple, proper care is important to minimize the risk of recurrence and reduce inflammation.

• Wear compression wrap or sleeve over the area for at least 1 full week.
   
• This helps:
   
  • Prevent fluid re-accumulation
     
  • Reduce swelling
     
  • Support surrounding tissue
     

Avoid wrapping too tightly — the area should feel supported but not numb, cold, or tingly.
 

• Keep the area elevated for the first 24–48 hours to minimize swelling.
   
• Avoid high-impact activities, prolonged standing, or pressure on the area for at least 3–5 days.
   
• Resume normal activity gradually as guided by Dr. Cruz.
   

• You may experience mild soreness at the site.
   
• Take Tylenol or ibuprofen as directed for discomfort.
   
• Apply ice (15–20 minutes, 2–3x/day) for the first 48 hours to minimize inflammation.
   

• Keep the area clean and dry.
   
• If a small bandage was applied, change it daily or if it becomes wet/dirty.
   
• Avoid soaking the area (no hot tubs, baths) for the first 3 days.
   

• Ganglion cysts can return even after aspiration. Compression helps reduce the chance, but recurrence is possible.
   
• If the cyst begins to reform, becomes painful again, or does not improve, contact our office for further evaluation.
   

• Significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the site
   
• Pus, bleeding, or unusual drainage
   
• Fever over 101°F
   
• Numbness or loss of motion near the treated area
   

Call us at (813) 502-5904 to schedule your follow-up if not already arranged. We may recommend repeat aspiration or discuss surgical removal if the cyst recurs.