Ganglion Cyst

What is a ganglion cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a tense, localised swelling which contains a clear, jelly-like fluid—similar to the fluid that lubricates your joints. It grows from the tissue surrounding a joint or from an area connected to a joint or a tendon. A ganglion cyst occurs most often on the back of the wrist. These annoying and sometimes painful lumps on the wrist are not cancerous and are harmless in most cases. They vary in size, but sometimes grow larger when you use your wrist more frequently.

Even though the precise cause of this type of cyst on the wrist is not fully understood, some people are more susceptible to ganglion cysts on the wrist than others. The risk of developing ganglions is higher for women between the ages of 20 and 40, people with osteoarthritis in their finger joints, and people with injuries to their joints or tendons.

What are the symptoms of a ganglion cyst?

These fluid-filled bumps on the wrist can appear and change size quickly. Most ganglion wrist cysts are quite visible, but smaller ganglion cysts can stay hidden under your skin. Although many ganglions do not produce other symptoms, if a wrist cyst applies pressure on the nerves that travel through your joint, you are likely to experience pain, muscle weakness, and tingling. Any pushing down movement with the wrist bent back can cause pain and limited range of motion.

How do we treat a ganglion cyst?

If your cyst is painful, interferes with your daily activities, or you simply can’t accept the way it looks, there are several ganglion cyst wrist treatment options available. We will examine your cyst and may recommend a period of rest and immobilization to relieve symptoms. As pain decreases, or your cyst gets smaller, we teach you exercises to mobilize your joints, strengthen your wrist shoulders, and core, and improve your range of motion. You will also learn exercises to increase your hand and grip strength, coordination, and flexibility. For long term health of your wrists, we do ergonomic assessments to make sure your posture at your desk is not the cause of your wrist pain. Our goal is to help you restore maximum function to your wrist and hand without delay.