If your cyst is painful or interfering with your wrist movements, you might need medical treatment.Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lump that can be found on your ankle, wrist, hands, and feet.If your symptoms persist, you may need surgery if your healthcare provider can't give you relief.If you're concerned, talk to your healthcare provider.
Step 1: A cyst can be identified.
Women between the ages of 20 and 40 years old are most likely to have them.If you have a lump on your wrist or hands, it could be a ganglion cyst.These cysts can be found in the joints of the wrist, hands, feet, and ankles.A lump is round or shaped.Most are less than an inch across.When you use the nearby joint, the size may change overtime.There is pain.If a cyst is too small to see, it may cause a sensation of pins-and- needles on a nerve.
Step 2: A doctor can check the cyst.
The doctor will perform a number of tests to confirm that it is a cyst.There are different types of cysts that need a correct diagnosis.There are cysts on other skin types.The doctor can tell if the cyst is sore by pressing on it.If the cyst is solid or fluid-filled, shine a light through it.The fluid can bepirated using a needle and syringe.The fluid will be clear if it is a cyst.
Step 3: If your doctor recommends it, you should get it.
Small cysts that are not visible from the outside of the body can be ruled out by using an irradiation test.An x-ray may be suggested by the doctor.The test doesn't hurt, but it's important that you tell your doctor if you think you're pregnant.An exam.This painless test uses sound waves to create an image of your body.Magnetic resonance scans.Magnets and radio waves are used to create three-dimensional images of a cyst.You will lie on a table.It does not hurt.If you have claustrophobia, tell your doctor.
Step 4: Decide whether treatment is necessary.
Half of the cysts go away on their own.If the cyst presses on a nerve, your doctor may suggest treating it.It reduces the movement of your joint.
Step 5: It is possible to try lysis.
The doctor may put a brace around the joint to keep it from moving.If you restrict the movement of your joint, the cysts can shrink.If you use this approach, ask your doctor how long it will take for your muscles to lose strength.If the cyst is not comfortable, your doctor may recommend that you take a pain killer.
Step 6: Take the cyst out with an aspiration.
The doctor will use a needle to remove the fluid from the cyst.The cyst may reoccur, but this procedure provides quick relief.There is no evidence that injecting a steroid into the area reduces reoccurrence.This is not a regular procedure.You will be released the same day with a Band Aid over the location where the needle went through your skin.
Step 7: Get the surgery.
After the other options were unsuccessful, this is usually the last resort.The cyst and the stalks are cut out by the surgeon.Some cysts reform after surgery.Two surgical procedures are equally effective.During open surgery, the surgeon makes a small cut over the cyst to remove it.This is a type of surgery.A camera and other instruments are inserted through a small incision by the doctor.The surgeon uses the camera to remove the cyst.Depending on the recommendation of your surgeon, either local or general anesthesia can be used.
Step 8: Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken.
If you would like to try home treatment for the cyst, you should consider taking OTC pain medication.The pain of the cyst can be dulled by the use of Ibuprofen or naproxen.During a period of observation, during which you will leave the cyst alone and return to the doctor's office later, you may also take OTC pain medication.If the ganglion cyst does not appear to be cancer or the result of other serious medical issues, this is often done.
Step 9: You should modify your shoes if the cyst is on your foot.
If the cyst is on your foot, you should not wear shoes that will squeeze it.The cyst can heal on its own if you wear open-toed shoes or flipflops.If you must wear closed-toe shoes, you should tie the laces or straps looser so that the cyst doesn't get irritated when you walk.The cyst can be irritated by wearing shoes that are made of non-breathable fabric.
Step 10: Don't thump or drain the cyst on your own.
An old remedy for ganglion cysts is hitting or thumping the cyst with a heavy object.This will damage the tissue around the cyst, so don't do it.You shouldn't try to pop or drain the cyst at home by using a needle.This will make the cyst worse and could lead to an infection.