A Complete Guide to Ganglion Cysts
What causes Ganglion cysts?
While the exact cause for the formation of ganglion cysts is unknown, several factors are thought to contribute to the formation of ganglion cysts. These may include continued stress or pressure on the joints, which causes the joint o break down. The small tissues then form cysts to join back together. Apart from athletes or gymnasts, these cysts are also commonly observed in women between the ages of twenty to forty.
Joint and tendon injuries also cause this effect and may lead to the formation of cysts.
Another suspected cause of ganglion cysts is the effect of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the wear and tear of joints which tends to lead to ganglion cysts.
Ganglion Cyst Symptoms
The ganglion cust starts as a visible lump near your wrists or ankles. Very rarely they may also occur near other joints in the body. Depending on the size of the cyst, it may or may not be painful. Ganglion cysts that are present on the foot or ankle may hurt when you are walking. Different people experience varying symptoms. Some people have a numbing sensation as the cyst puts pressure on the nerves. They may also cause a loss of mobility, and the patient may experience a tingling sensation due to their cyst.
Ganglion Cysts Diagnosis
Ganglion cysts do not need any tests or medical procedures to identify if they are visible to the naked eye. Suppose they are protruding outside the body and are visible. The doctor may apply pressure on the cysts to check for pain and tenderness. They may shine a light on it or perform other physical examinations to determine how much fluid is present inside.
If the cyst I snot visible to the naked eye, the doctor may ask for an Xray, ultrasound or magnetic resonance image (MRI) to determine if the formation is benign or not. This helps- rule out the possibility that the growth is cancerous.
Ganglion Cyst Treatment
Usually, ganglion cysts do not require any medication or special attention. They tend to heal on their own, given that the joint or tendon is given sufficient rest. So the most recommended plan-of-action in these instances is to wait and watch. However, due to their proximity to nerves, some cysts are painful and need to be removed to help the patient feel better and help them regain complete mobility of their joints. There is no time limit to set answer to how long does it take for ganglion cysts to go away.
If the cyst is growing, it may be necessary to immobilize that part of your body to help it heal faster and reduce the stress on it. Immobilization may take place with the help of a splint or brace.
If the cysts are painful and hinder the quality of day to day life, the doctor may recommend a procedure called aspiration, which helps drain fluid from the cyst.
If these procedures do not help the doctor may suggest surgery as the final resort. The cyst is surgically removed from the body along with the stalk that attaches it to the joints or tendon. This does not, however, prevent the cyst from reoccurring.
There are several home remedies for ganglion cysts that are widely practised. However, not all of these methods are useful, and some of them cause further harm. One of the widely popular home remedies for ganglion cysts is to thump the cyst with a heavy object to remove the fluid and heal it. This, however, is not an effective method and may cause further harm or injury. The home remedies that are recommended are using warm compresses that help relieve the pain if there is any. Sometimes changing the lace of your shoes or modifying your shoes can help you heal faster.
Ganglion cysts may seem worrisome since they resemble tumours and cancerous growth. The best way to tackle this issue is to keep an eye out for abnormal growth and get it checked as soon as possible. It is also important to remember that proper rest and attention is required even after the cyst is cured since they are recurring in nature. With this information, it will be easier to hear without worrying about it extensively.