If you notice a lump in your wrist, a ganglion cyst might be the culprit. At Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Madison, Jackson, and Flowood, Mississippi, orthopedic hand surgeon and upper extremity specialist Nicholas Jew, MD, can diagnose and treat ganglion cysts to reduce pain, muscle weakness, or tingling. Schedule an appointment with Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center by phone or online today.
A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous, oval or round, lump that develops near your wrist joint. These cysts can also appear on your feet or ankles. They are filled with jellylike fluid and range in size from pea-sized to much larger. Cysts are sometimes painful and may interfere with joint movement.
The main symptom of ganglion cysts is a lump you can feel underneath the skin in your hand or wrist. It might be painless or put pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause tingling, pain, and muscle weakness.
The cause of ganglion cysts isn’t entirely apparent, but some factors increase your risk of developing them. Those might include being a woman ages 20-40, having osteoarthritis, and past joint or tendon injuries.
To diagnose a ganglion cyst and develop the most effective treatment, Dr. Jew reviews your symptoms and discusses your medical history. He examines the site of the cyst and may apply pressure to check for pain or tenderness.
Dr. Jew might suggest you undergo X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound imaging procedures to make a diagnosis.
Dr. Jew develops a personalized ganglion cyst treatment plan based on its size and your symptoms. He may suggest:
Sometimes cysts are small and painless, requiring no treatment, and go away on their own over time. Watchful waiting is sometimes the most appropriate approach.
Wearing a brace or splint can immobilize your wrist to help a ganglion cyst shrink over time, relieving pressure on nearby nerves.
During aspiration, Dr. Jew uses a tiny needle to drain fluid out of the cyst.
If other options haven’t worked to eliminate a ganglion cyst, Dr. Jew can remove it using a minimally invasive, in-office surgical procedure. He uses local anesthesia, so you don’t feel any pain but can remain awake.
Don’t live with unsightly or painful ganglion cysts when simple treatments can offer you relief. Schedule an appointment with Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center by phone or book online today.
