Ganglion Cysts: That Ugly Lump on Your Wrist
The lump on your wrist may look worrisome, but if your physician has diagnosed it as a ganglion cyst, there is no cause for alarm.
Although they may grow larger, particularly after vigorous activity, these fluid-filled growths are not cancerous and will not spread.
However, it is still important to learn more about ganglion cysts to understand their effects and how to manage them.
Let’s Discuss:
- What is a ganglion cyst?
- Causes and symptoms
- Treatment options
- Medical procedures
- Post-treatment rehabilitation
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that often appears as a lump on your wrist or hand.
- While they can also develop on the feet or ankles, they are most commonly found on the back of the wrist.
- These cysts are filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid called synovial fluid, which normally cushions and lubricates the joints and tendons.
- The cyst forms when synovial fluid leaks out and collects in a small sac under the skin.
- Although they can vary in size, ganglion cysts are generally round or oval and feel firm to the touch.
- Their size can fluctuate, sometimes getting bigger with vigorous activity and reducing when you’re at rest.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
There isn’t a single definitive cause for ganglion cysts, but several factors might contribute to their development:
- Sudden Injury or Trauma: Ganglion cysts may result from a sudden injury or blow to the wrist.
- Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as playing tennis, typing, or playing musical instruments, can stress the joint and contribute to cyst development.
- Joint Strain or Improper Movement: When the wrist joint is strained or not moving properly, the synovial tissue that cushions the bones may become irritated. This irritation can cause the tissue to bulge, forming a pouch under the skin that fills with synovial fluid.
- Age and Gender Factors: Ganglion cysts are more common in people aged 15 to 40 and tend to occur more frequently in women.
- Osteoarthritis and Previous Injuries: Individuals with osteoarthritis or those who have had previous injuries to their wrist joints or tendons are at a higher risk of developing ganglion cysts.
- Body’s Natural Response to Irritation: The fluid within the cyst is similar to the fluid found naturally in joints, suggesting that ganglion cysts may form as the body’s natural attempt to protect or cushion an irritated area.
These factors can increase the likelihood of developing a ganglion cyst, although the exact cause often remains unknown.
Frequently, ganglion cysts cause continuous aching pain that is worsened by activity.
Symptoms
Ganglion cysts can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Visible Lump: For some, the only indication of a cyst is the appearance of a noticeable lump on the wrist.
- Variable Size: The size of the cyst may remain small or grow larger, especially with increased activity.
- Discomfort or Pain: Although often painless, cysts can cause discomfort if they press on a nerve. This discomfort may appear as a dull ache or pain, particularly when moving the wrist or applying pressure to the affected area. The pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen with repetitive movements.
- Tingling, Numbness, or Weakness: If the cyst presses against a nerve, it can lead to sensations of tingling, numbness, or weakness in the fingers.
- Limited Range of Motion: Some individuals may experience restricted movement in the wrist, particularly if the cyst is large.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating ganglion cysts, there are several approaches to consider.
Conservative Treatments
Most ganglion cysts do not require medical intervention and may disappear on their own over time.
Ganglion cysts usually require no treatment.
For those who experience mild discomfort or pain, the following conservative measures can help:
- Wearing a Wrist Brace or Splint: Using a brace or splint during activities can reduce strain on the joint, provide relief, and prevent further irritation by restricting movement, allowing the cyst to shrink naturally.
- Modifying Activities: Adjusting or avoiding activities that exacerbate the cyst can help manage symptoms and reduce discomfort.
- Monitoring the Cyst: Keep an eye on the cyst for any changes. It may disappear without treatment, fluctuate in size, or recur intermittently.
As long as the cyst does not cause severe pain or functional impairment, conservative management is often sufficient.
Medical Procedures
If conservative treatments are not effective or if the cyst becomes bothersome, medical procedures may be considered.
– Aspiration
Some cysts simply disappear over time; others come and go. However, many patients want the bump removed for aesthetic reasons.
Aspiration is a minimally invasive procedure and is often the treatment of choice to remove a cyst.
- During aspiration, the physician numbs the affected area with a local anesthetic.
- Then, using a fine needle, the doctor punctures the cyst and uses a syringe to withdraw the fluid.
- This procedure is typically quick and can be performed in the doctor’s office.
However, while this procedure is usually successful, the cyst often returns, and several aspirations may be needed to permanently remove it.
This is because the underlying capsule or “shell” that produces the fluid remains intact.
– Surgery
Surgery is recommended when the cyst recurs despite repeated aspirations, causes severe pain, or interferes with normal activities.
- The surgical procedure to remove a ganglion cyst is called excision.
- During this outpatient procedure, the surgeon removes not only the cyst but also a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath, which is believed to be the source of the cyst.
- This reduces the likelihood of the cyst returning.
While surgery is generally successful, it comes with potential risks, such as infection, stiffness, or scarring.
Post-surgical recovery typically involves wearing a bandage or splint and limiting wrist movements to allow proper healing.
Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your wrist and what to expect during the recovery period.
Post-Treatment Rehabilitation
After any procedure to remove a ganglion cyst, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in ensuring a full recovery and preventing recurrence.
An exercise program begun soon after treatment can ease stiffness and increase circulation, strength and range of motion (ROM).
Exercise Programs
Exercises are often categorized into three main types: passive range of motion (ROM), active ROM, and strengthening exercises.
– Passive ROM Exercises
In passive ROM exercises, a physical therapist gently moves the wrist in full circles to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
These exercises are essential immediately after surgery or aspiration when the wrist is still healing, as they help prevent scar tissue formation and maintain joint mobility without exerting strain on the muscles.
– Active ROM Exercises
Active ROM exercises, performed by you, stretch the wrist and increase flexibility.
These exercises help restore flexibility and improve coordination in the wrist.
Simple movements, such as bending the wrist up and down or moving it side-to-side, are examples of active ROM exercises that can be performed several times a day.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises are designed to build the muscles around the wrist, providing better support and reducing the likelihood of future cyst formation.
- These exercises can be performed with the assistance of a therapist or on your own at home.
- Examples include squeezing Silly Putty to contract the wrist and hand muscles, and flexing and extending the wrist while holding light weights.
- These activities not only strengthen the muscles but also improve grip strength, which is important for performing everyday tasks.
If your physician recommends physical therapy after treating your ganglion cyst, we will create an exercise program that will restore circulation, increase muscle strength and attain full joint mobilization.
This approach can accelerate your recovery and may also help prevent another cyst from forming in the future.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
Conclusion
If you’ve been dealing with a ganglion cyst, there are plenty of options to help you feel better.
Whether it’s learning exercises to strengthen your wrist, easing pain, or discussing other treatment options, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns—we’re here to help you get back to doing what you love, free of discomfort and worry.
The Jackson Clinics serves 18 locations throughout Northern Virginia.
Find one near you: https://thejacksonclinics.com/locations/