Fact Checked
A wrist ganglion is a lump that form in the wrist and the hand, usually near the tendons or joints. They usually form at the top of the ending joint of the finger, bottom of the finger connected with the side of the palm, top area of the wrist and palm side of the wrist.
A wrist ganglions looks like a water balloon on a stem filled with gel or a clear fluid. The cyst can be caused by mechanical changes and irritation on the tendon or joint. They change in size and can disappear totally. Women are more susceptible to ganglion cyst than men. It usually happens among people between the ages 20-40 years old.
Causes of a wrist ganglion
- Stress or trauma at the joints of the wrist could result to degeneration and the formation of a wrist ganglion.
- People participating in strenuous activities and using the hand
- Wrist injuries
- Structural flaws in the tissues of the joint
- Accumulation of synovial fluids between the joints
Symptoms
- Swelling of the area
- Shifting pain in the wrist, but sometimes there is no pain
- Tingling, weakness or numb sensation in a few days.
- Pain when performing any activity or moving the joint
- The cyst develops slowly or may grow rapidly
- The cyst can sometimes change in size or disappear only to form again at a later date.
Treatment
- Apply an ice pack on the affected area for at least 20 minutes at a time, once every 3 hours to lessen the pain and swelling.
- Wear a splint to prevent unnecessary movement for a few days for fast healing of the condition. It is also needed for the stability of the affected area.
- Avoid using the joint as much as possible to relieve pain and for fast healing of the condition.
- Massage the cyst for easy drainage of the liquid with the help of a massage therapist.