Ganglion Cyst is a lump that is most commonly seen on the back of your wrist. However, it can also appear along the tendons of feet or ankles. This usually looks round or oval in shape and contains a jelly-like fluid. This is not a cancerous cyst. In most patients, ganglion cysts are not painful. But, if they press on a nearby nerve, the patient may experience pain.
What Are the Probable Causes of the Ganglion Cyst?
No one knows the actual cause of the ganglion cyst. However, this is certain that this problem commonly occurs in patients who fall in the age group of 15-40. These are those patients who put extra pressure on the wrist or do repetitive wrist motions.
Watch Out for the Common Symptoms of the Ganglion Cyst
Here are the most common symptoms of the Ganglion Cyst:
- Often, cysts grow along the tendons or muscles of wrists and hands. For the lower part of the body, their most common locations are ankles and feet
- They are round or oval in shape
- If they press on a nerve, they affect the functioning of that body part. They can cause pain, muscle numbness, tingling, or weakness.
What Is the Course of Treatment for the Ganglion Cyst?
Dr Banarji BH, a well-known Orthopaedics specialist might recommend you to watch out for changes in cysts. If the sizes of cysts change, the doctor will recommend treatment based on the nature of the cyst.
Non-Operative Method
- You will be asked to wear a splint or brace to reduce the size of the cyst and get relief from pain. It aids in weakening cysts as well
- Draining the jelly-like fluid from the cyst is an alternative treatment, however, the chances of recurrence are very high.
Surgical Method
If the non-operative treatment options do not work, and there are symptoms like pain, increased swelling and difficulty in using the wrist, then Dr Banarji BH may recommend that you opt for surgery. However, there remains a chance of cysts’ recurrence. In this method, the surgeon will remove the roots of the cyst permanently. Wrist arthroscopy gives the best cosmetic results and least the chance of recurrences.
