Ganglion cysts are round, squishy bumps under the skin that are usually found on the wrist.They could be an inch in diameter or tiny.Although painless, ganglion cysts can cause pain by pressing on nearby nerves.When ganglion cysts appear, there are steps you can take to deal with them.
Step 1: Be patient.
The only problem with ganglion cysts is that they are ugly.Almost all of the ganglion cysts go away on their own.If the situation resolves on its own, you might just leave it as is.
Step 2: Take anti-inflammation drugs.
There are many over-the-counter products that can help reduce swelling.The swelling will be reduced until the medication wears off and the swelling returns.Managing pain in the short term is a good way to wait for the cysts to resolve.The three most popular types of anti- inflammatory drugs are Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin.
Step 3: The ice should be applied.
If you're getting pain from your cyst, try applying cold.You can buy a gel pack from a pharmacy or wrap frozen vegetables in a towel.For 20 minutes at a time, apply it directly to the area where you are feeling pain.You should do this at least once every three hours.
Step 4: The affected joint should not be used as much.
A leading theory suggests that ganglion cysts are caused by trauma to the joint, like a hard knock or crushing force.There is a theory that says they form when a joint is overused.Reducing joint movement is known to relieve pain and speed up the healing process.Allow the limb to rest as much as possible.
Step 5: If necessary, place a splint on the joint.
It can be hard to remember if the cyst is on the wrist.It can be difficult to remember to stop talking with your hands.If that's the case, you could apply a splint to the joint.It will remind you to rest the joint and limit its movement when using the limb.You want to place a piece of wood along the joint to support it.Wrap the joint in a magazine or thick padding of towel or clothing.The movement is limited because the splint should extend beyond the joint.A wrist splint should be extended from the forearm down to the hand.If you have something on hand, tie the splint into place with it.You shouldn't be cutting off blood flow if you tie the splint too tightly.Don't let your hands or feet tingle.
Step 6: The cyst needs to be massaged.
A ganglion is a balloon of liquid that can cause pain.Doctors recommend massaging the cyst to encourage it to drain its liquid naturally.You do not need to use a particular technique or seek professional massage therapy.Rub the ganglion frequently throughout the day.You should see an improvement in your symptoms over time.
Step 7: Don't hit the ganglion with a book.
Ganglion cysts are called "Bible bumps" because people try to get rid of them by smashing them with a heavy book.There is a chance that the cyst will return if you use this method.If you smash the book with too much force, you can cause more damage to the tissue around the ganglion, or even break a bone.
Step 8: The cyst should be drained by a doctor.
If you have a ganglion that is interfering with the natural movement of your wrist, you may need to seek treatment.A medical professional will be able to aspirate, or drain, the cyst, getting rid of the bump under your skin and stopping it from rubbing against nerve tissue.Your doctor can check the cyst by shining a light through the growth, if the light shines through, it's a ganglion cyst.
Step 9: You should be prepared for aspiration.
You should know what to expect when you arrive for the procedure.This will help you relax during the appointment.The doctor will apply a numbing agent to the area.The cyst could be injected with an enzyme that makes it easier to remove.The doctor will use a needle to get the liquid out of the cyst.The staff will dispose of the liquid in a safe and legal way.
Step 10: The doctor might recommend a steroid injection.
In one study, half of cysts treated with aspiration alone came back within three months.Administering steroids to the site of the cyst has been proven to be more successful than draining it.
Step 11: Discuss surgical options with your doctor.
Home treatment and even aspiration may not be a long-term solution to your problem because Ganglions have a high rate of recurrence.Ask your doctor about the possibility of having the cyst removed if you have a persistent ganglion.This is an outpatient procedure in which the doctor administers anesthesia.The entire cyst and the stalks that attach it to the joint will be removed instead of draining the liquid from the cyst.The chance of another cyst growing back is reduced through complete removal.
Step 12: There are risks of surgical removal.
There is a chance that something could go wrong during the procedure.In rare cases, surgery can cause damage to the nerve tissue around the cyst.You may also suffer from infections.
Step 13: Don't forget to take care of yourself after the surgery.
The cyst site will be sore during the healing process.If you want to manage the pain, you should ask the doctor to prescribe a pain killer.Rest the limb as much as possible.If you have a cyst on your wrist, avoid doing things like cooking and typing for a while.An estimate of how long it will take to recover is included in a recovery plan.There are certain activities to avoid during the recovery process.Symptoms to look for might indicate problems with the procedure.