Got a Bump on Your Wrist? It Might Be a Ganglion Cyst – Here’s What to Do

Many professionals and students who spend extended periods working on computers or writing often experience strain in their wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome, frequently referred to as a modern disease, is a typical example. Another prevalent condition is a ganglion cyst in the wrist. Ganglion cysts, characterized by lumps that form in tendons or joints, can occur anywhere in the body, but they are most common in the wrist. What should you do if you suddenly notice a lump on your wrist? Let’s delve into everything about wrist ganglion cysts, including their definition, causes, and available treatment methods.

What is a Ganglion Cyst?

What exactly is a wrist ganglion cyst? A wrist ganglion cyst is a lump that forms in the hand joint. It occurs when a sticky, jelly-like substance leaks and accumulates within the tendons or synovial membranes—thin fibrous sheaths surrounding joints. It is the most common type of tumor affecting the hand and is generally benign.

What Causes a Ganglion Cyst?

The exact cause of a wrist ganglion cyst is uncertain, but it is known to appear in individuals who frequently use their wrists commonly. Trauma-induced damage to the synovial membrane or arthritis can also lead to their formation. While wrist ganglion cysts can occur in all age groups, they are especially common in women between 10 and 30.

Location and Symptoms

Where does a wrist ganglion cyst typically occur? Wrist ganglion cysts usually occur in the area where the radial artery is palpable on the inside of the wrist and the back of the hand. The size can range from 0.4 to 2 inches and can occur in and around the wrist. While many cases are asymptomatic, some may experience wrist pain when pressing hard or lifting heavy objects.

Is Treatment Necessary for a Ganglion Cyst?

Don’t worry too much if you have a wrist ganglion cyst. Most wrist ganglion cysts are benign and don’t require removal if they don’t interfere with daily activities. Sometimes, they even disappear naturally. However, medical intervention may be necessary if the cyst grows and becomes inflamed or compresses the synovial membrane, blood vessels, nerves, etc., causing pain.

How is a Ganglion Cyst Diagnosed?

A wrist ganglion cyst, which presents as a lump on the wrist, can be diagnosed visually. For a more accurate diagnosis, ultrasound or MRI tests can be performed. These tests can confirm the cyst’s presence, check for other abnormalities in the wrist joint, and identify potential underlying causes.

What are the Treatment Options for a Ganglion Cyst?

Careful consideration is crucial if intervention becomes necessary for a persistent wrist ganglion cyst, as improper treatment attempts can exacerbate the condition. Aspiration, a procedure that reduces the size of the cyst by removing the synovial fluid with a needle, inevitably recurs. Also, repeated aspirations for the convenience of treatment can cause atypical complications, so caution is needed.

Complications Can Occur

If the fluid inside the cyst is artificially burst, it can damage surrounding tissues and the risk of infection. Therefore, it should never be burst. Also, 20% of wrist ganglion cyst patients have experienced complications due to previous improper treatment. Thus, it’s imperative to heed these precautions to avoid worsening the cyst during removal attempts.

How is a Ganglion Cyst Different from a Rheumatoid Nodule?

It’s challenging to distinguish between a wrist ganglion cyst and rheumatoid arthritis just by the lump on the wrist. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes inflammation in multiple joints, including the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, and knees. In particular, rheumatoid arthritis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications like pneumonia or cardiovascular diseases if left untreated. If you wake up in the morning and your wrist feels stiff or have wrist joint pain and general fatigue, you should consider the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis.

What Foods are Good for a Ganglion Cyst?

What are the best foods for a wrist ganglion cyst? Since the symptoms of a ganglion cyst often worsen when the blood flow of microcirculation decreases, consistently consuming foods that are good for the blood vessels or muscles can aid symptom management. Korean red ginseng can be beneficial for its ability to promote blood vessels and increase blood flow. This enhancement in circulation reduces pain-inducing factors and regenerates damaged ligament tissues and bone cells around it.

How to Prevent a Ganglion Cyst?

To prevent a wrist ganglion cyst, it is necessary to stretch your wrists frequently and alternate between using both wrists. Before doing activities that require a lot of wrist usage, such as golf, tennis, or weightlifting, do enough wrist stretching and wear a protective band. Using tools like a wrist rest when using the computer is recommended for office workers.

By. Oh Hye-in