If your cyst is painful or affects your wrist movements, you may need medical treatment.Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled cysts that can be found on your ankle, wrists, hands, and feet.If your symptoms persist, you may need surgery if your healthcare provider can't help you.If you're worried, talk to your healthcare provider.
Step 1: A cyst.
Women between the ages of 20 and 40 are most likely to have them.A cyst on the wrist or hands is called a ganglion cyst.These cysts can be found in the joints of the wrist, hands, feet, and ankles.A lump is round or shaped.The majority are less than an inch across.When you use the nearby joint, the size may change overtime.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 do a number of things to confirm that it is a cyst.There are different types of cysts that need to be diagnosed.Other skin types cysts include sebaceous cysts.The cyst may be sore if the doctor presses 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 ganglion cyst.
Step 3: If your doctor recommends it, you should get the tests.
Small cysts that are not visible from the outside of the body can be ruled out by using an image test.The doctor might suggest an x-ray.The test doesn't hurt, but it's important that you tell your doctor if you think you're pregnant or not.An exam.This painless test uses sound waves to create an image of your body.Magnetic resonance images are done.Magnetics and radio waves are used to create three-dimensional images of the cyst.You will lie down on a table.It does not hurt.If you have claustrophobia, tell your doctor about it.
Step 4: Decide if the treatment is necessary.
Half of the cysts go away by themselves.If the cyst presses on a nerve, your doctor may suggest treating it.It reduces the movement of your joints.
Step 5: Try to stop.
The doctor may put a brace around the joint to prevent it from moving.If you restrict the movement of your joint, the cysts can shrink because they get bigger when you move it.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, such as Ibuprofen.
Step 6: Use an aspiration to drain the cyst.
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.On the same day, you will be released 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 equally effective surgical procedures are used.The surgeon makes a small cut over the cyst to remove it during open surgery.This is a type of surgery.A camera and other instruments are inserted through the doctor's small incision.The surgeon uses a camera to remove the cyst.Depending on the recommendation of your surgeon, either local or general anesthesia can be used.
Step 8: You can take over-the-counter pain medication.
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 can 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: If the cyst is on your foot, modify your shoes.
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 loosen the laces or straps so 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 yourself.
An old remedy for ganglion cysts is hitting the cyst hard with a heavy object.It will damage the tissue around the cyst, so don't do this.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.