Maarten Vasbinder lives in Isaan. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers who live in Thailand and writes about medical facts.
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Dear Martin,
Since about ten days a bump on the right foot, at the 'hinge point' of the big toe. Painful only when touched and constricted (shoes/sandal straps, etc.). The straps now also scrape the skin in one place. See pictures. To the touch, the bump seems to contain mostly fluid.
The toenails are partly so-called fungal nails, but that has been the case for so long that I cannot imagine a relationship with it. Have the feeling that this will not just go away.
In your opinion, is this something to take action on? Could it be an infection?
Some background information: 70 years old, very healthy and fit, no medication.
Stay in Chiang Rai.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Regards,
C,
*****
Dear C,
This most closely resembles a ganglion. Here some information: https://www.thuisarts.nl/ganglion-van-pols-of-hand/ik-heb-ganglion-aan-mijn-pols-hand-of-voet
An open ganglion can become inflamed. Watch out for that. In your case, disinfect well. Emptying is typically pushing the problem forward.
A surgeon or orthopedist can remove a ganglion. If the whole haircut is taken, it will not come back. Such an operation under local anesthesia can easily take an hour.
Especially at the foot. The entire ganglion must be prepared away.
In the past, we sometimes gave a ganglion a good tap with a ruler. Sometimes it was temporarily gone. I don't advise you to do that.
Because of where the bump is, I recommend you have it removed.
Yours faithfully,
Martin Vasbinder