Wrist Ganglion

Ganglions are more common in women with 70% occurring in people between the ages of 20-40. They appear around the wrist joint as a small, often painless lump.

The cause of ganglions is not known although damage to the joint has been suggested as well as a problem with the joint capsule or tendon sheath which causes the joint tissues to bulge out.

Symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst

  • Variable degrees of wrist pain which may come and go.
  • Movement may reduce the pain. 
  • Swelling may come and go. 
  • MRI scan is likely to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

  • If the ganglion cyst is not painful then no treatment is necessary.
  • Aspiration (sucking the fluid out of the cyst). 
  • Injection of corticosteroid can give temporary relief. 
  • In more severe cases surgery is required to completely remove the cyst.
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