Do you have a small, round, or oval lump on your hand, wrist, foot, or other joint? If so, you might have a ganglion cyst. Ganglion cysts are common and usually harmless, but they can sometimes cause pain or limit your movement. In this article, you will learn:

• What are ganglion cysts and what causes them
• How to recognize and diagnose ganglion cysts
• How to treat and prevent ganglion cysts

What are ganglion cysts and what causes them?

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops from a joint or the lining of a tendon. It contains a jellylike fluid that is similar to the fluid found in joints or around tendons. A ganglion cyst can vary in size, from as small as a pea to as large as an inch. It can also change size over time, growing or shrinking with joint activity. Some ganglion cysts may disappear on their own, while others may persist for years.

Ganglion cysts can occur in many locations, but they are most often found near the wrist or hand. The most common types of wrist or hand ganglion cysts are:

• Dorsal wrist ganglion cysts: These are the most common type of ganglion cysts. They occur on the back of the wrist, near the scapholunate area, which is where two bones of the wrist meet. They account for 60% to 70% of all ganglion cysts.
• Volar wrist ganglion cysts: These occur on the front of the wrist, near the base of the thumb or the palm side of the wrist. They account for 15% to 20% of all ganglion cysts.
• Occult ganglion cysts: These are hidden or very small ganglion cysts that are not easily seen or felt. They may cause pain or stiffness in the wrist or hand. They account for 10% to 15% of all ganglion cysts.
• Mucous cysts: These are ganglion cysts that occur on the fingers, near the fingernails. They may cause nail deformity or infection. They account for 2% to 10% of all ganglion cysts.

Other less common locations for ganglion cysts include the ankles, feet, knees, shoulders, or other joints.

The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but they are thought to arise from a herniation or outpouching of the synovial membrane, which is the tissue that covers and lubricates the joints and tendons. This may happen due to injury, overuse, or wear and tear of the joint or tendon. Some factors that may increase the risk of developing ganglion cysts include:

• Sex and age: Ganglion cysts can affect anyone, but they are more common in women than men, and more likely to occur between the ages of 20 and 40.
• Joint or tendon problems: Having arthritis, joint instability, or tendon inflammation may predispose to ganglion cyst formation.
• Physical activity: Performing activities that put stress on the joints or tendons, such as gymnastics, may trigger or worsen ganglion cysts.

How to recognize and diagnose ganglion cysts

A ganglion cyst usually looks like a lump or bump on your wrist, finger, or foot. This lump may look symmetrical (round) or misshapen (more like an oval). A ganglion cyst sits just below your skin’s surface. It may look like a bubble blown from a joint. Ganglia sometimes have a translucent effect (you can see through the lump at certain angles).

A ganglion cyst is usually painless, but it can cause discomfort if it presses on a nerve or other structure. It can also affect your joint movement, especially if it is large or located near a joint. You may experience symptoms such as:

• Pain in the joint, especially when pressing against a nerve
• Tingling sensation or numbness
• Muscle weakness

If you notice a lump or pain in your wrist, hand, ankle, or foot, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not try to pop, squeeze, or hit the lump, as this may cause more damage or infection.

To diagnose a ganglion cyst, your doctor will examine the lump and ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and physical activity. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of the lump, such as a tumor, your doctor may perform some tests, such as:

• Light transillumination: This is a simple test that involves shining a light through the lump. If the lump is a ganglion cyst, it will glow or appear translucent, as the fluid inside reflects the light.
• Ultrasound: This is a painless test that uses sound waves to create images of the lump and the surrounding structures. It can show the size, shape, and location of the ganglion cyst, and whether it is connected to a joint or tendon.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is a more detailed test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the lump and the surrounding tissues. It can show the fluid content and the internal structure of the ganglion cyst, and whether it affects any nerves, blood vessels, or bones.

How to treat and prevent ganglion cysts

Many ganglion cysts do not require treatment, especially if they are small, painless, and do not interfere with your daily activities. However, if the ganglion cyst causes problems, such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or limited movement, you may consider one of the following treatment options:

• Watchful waiting: This involves monitoring the ganglion cyst over time and seeing if it changes or goes away on its own. You may also try to avoid activities that aggravate the cyst or apply ice or heat to relieve the symptoms.
• Splinting: This involves wearing a brace or a bandage to immobilize the affected joint or tendon and reduce the pressure on the cyst. This may help shrink the cyst or prevent it from growing larger.
• Needle aspiration: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a needle into the cyst and draining the fluid out. This may reduce the size and the symptoms of the cyst, but it does not remove the root cause of the cyst, so it may recur.
• Surgery: This is the most definitive treatment for ganglion cysts. It involves making a small incision over the cyst and removing it completely, along with the stalk that connects it to the joint or tendon. This may prevent the cyst from coming back, but it also carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve damage, or joint stiffness.

The choice of treatment depends on several factors, such as the size, location, and symptoms of the ganglion cyst, your personal preference, and your doctor’s recommendation. You should discuss the benefits and risks of each option with your doctor and decide what is best for you.

There is no sure way to prevent ganglion cysts, but you may reduce your risk by taking some steps to protect your joints and tendons, such as:

• Wearing protective gear: If you engage in activities that put stress on your joints or tendons, such as sports or manual work, you should wear appropriate gloves, shoes, pads, or braces to cushion the impact and prevent injury.
• Warming up and stretching: Before and after any physical activity, you should warm up your muscles and stretch your joints and tendons to improve your flexibility and range of motion and prevent stiffness and inflammation.
• Resting and recovering: If you experience any pain, swelling, or discomfort in your joints or tendons, you should rest the affected area and apply ice or heat to ease the symptoms. You should also avoid any activities that worsen the condition until it heals.
• Seeking medical attention: If you notice any lump or mass on your hand, wrist, foot, or other joint, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Ganglion cysts are common and usually harmless lumps that can appear on your hand, wrist, foot, or other joint. They are not cancerous and often go away on their own, but they can sometimes cause pain or limit your movement. If you have a ganglion cyst that bothers you, you can choose from various treatment options, such as watchful waiting, splinting, needle aspiration, or surgery. You can also take some steps to protect your joints and tendons and prevent ganglion cysts from forming or recurring. If you have any questions or concerns about ganglion cysts, you should talk to your doctor and get the best advice for your situation.

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