Ask The Experts
I have subchondral cysts in both the first metatarsal head & proximal phalanx with osteophytes. 3rd, 4th & 5th joints with subchondral cysts. Very painful. Leg knot on the side of my right foot. Any suggestions?
Thank you for contacting us. IPFH does not diagnose or recommend treatments on line. It sounds as though you have received a pretty precise and comprehensive diagnosis, presumably from your physician or a medical specialist. Our best suggestion would be for you to consult the diagnosing physician and request from him or her a treatment plan. It will be especially beneficial if it is your primary care physician or a medical professional who has treated you previously, since that professional knows your medical history and the types of medications and treatments that are most likely to be effective.
Subchondral cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form at the ends of bones, typcially associated with osteo-arthritis. Osteophytes are bony outgrowths (also called "bone spurs") that also are common with arthritis. Your physician can help determine the best treatment methods for your arthritis, and any supplemental medications or treatments that can address the cysts and bone spurs. One step you might take to help alleviate the pain is to use padded socks and shoe inserts or orthotics that can reduce the pressure in your forefeet where the cysts are spurs are located. You can consult your physician or a foot health specialist about these remedies. You can also take a look at our page on arthritis at this link. It offers a number of foot health resources and information for people with arthritis. We hope you will do this, and that you will soon get some relief for your pain.