Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is fluid-filled sac that comes from a joint or tendon. These cysts can cause pain, stiffness and muscle weakness if they press on nearby structures. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options can help you manage ganglion cysts effectively.

Summit Orthopedics’ hand and wrist specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for ganglion cysts at locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

What Is a Ganglion Cyst?

A ganglion cyst is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort near joints or tendons, often on the back of the wrist, on a finger or in your foot. Ganglion cysts are soft, noncancerous lumps filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. They can range in size greatly—from the size of a pea to larger than a quarter—and the size can change over time.

Ganglion Cyst Symptoms

Symptoms of a ganglion cyst can vary based on its size and location on the body. Some cysts don’t cause any symptoms and are discovered during a medical exam. When symptoms occur, they can include:

• A visible lump near a joint or tendon that may appear smooth and round
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle weakness when you move the affected joint
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes if the cyst presses on a nerve
• Pain or discomfort

Ganglion Cyst Causes

Ganglion cysts often come from arthritis in the joint, which may increase fluid production and weaken the lining of the joints causing cysts to form. Ganglion cysts can also form spontaneously or from repetitive stress. Repetitive movements and other forms of stress prompt structures within a joint to produce fluid that collects in a sac, forming a cyst.

Ganglion cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. They may not cause any symptoms, but they can lead to pain, numbness, stiffness or weakness. Not all lumps are cysts, so it is important to see a hand specialist if you find a new lump or mass.

Risk Factors for Ganglion Cysts

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a ganglion cyst. These include:

• Age and sex: Ganglion cysts occur three times more often in women than men and frequently develop between ages 20 and 50.
• Joint or tendon overuse: Repetitive motions in activities like typing, lifting or participating in sports like gymnastics can raise the risk of ganglion cysts on the wrist.
• Osteoarthritis: People with arthritis in their hands or wrists may be more prone to develop ganglion cysts.
• Previous joint injuries: An injury to a joint or tendon can increase the chance of a ganglion cyst.

Ganglion Cyst Diagnosis

You should see a doctor if:

• The cyst causes severe pain or limits your ability to move the joint.
• You have numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the affected area.
• The cyst gets bigger or does not improve with rest.
• You find a new lump or mass on your hand or wrist.

A doctor can perform a physical exam and may also use imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound or MRI. Together, this information will allow your doctor to make the diagnosis.

Treating a Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cyst treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. In some cases, ganglion cysts go away on their own without any medical treatment. However, if the cyst causes pain, tingling or limits your movement, your doctor may recommend any of several treatment options, including:

• Wait and see: Not all ganglion cysts require treatment. Your doctor will monitor your cyst’s size and your symptoms before deciding whether it needs treatment.
• Braces or splints: Wearing a brace or splint can reduce joint movement, which may decrease the size of the cyst.
• Aspiration: During this procedure, a doctor uses a needle to drain the fluid from the cyst. This often provides temporary relief, but the cyst may return.
• Ganglion cyst removal: If the cyst is large, painful or keeps coming back, your doctor may determine that removing the cyst with surgery is the best option.

Find your Summit Orthopedics hand and wrist expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.