Hand Pain

Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is a growth found on the top or bottom of the wrist, typically near the wrist joint.  Although the cyst may not pose initial problems, pain can become noticeable if the cyst is too close to the joint and restricts normal movement.

Ganglion cysts arise from the capsule of a joint or the sheath of a tendon. They are most commonly found at different places on the wrist. A ganglion cyst that grows on the top of the wrist is called a dorsal ganglion. 

A ganglion cyst contains a thick, clear, mucus-like fluid similar to the fluid found in the joint.  The triggers of formation of a ganglion are not always known.

Initial treatment of a ganglion cyst typically involves avoiding activities which cause pain, oral or topical medications, and even splinting.  A procedure called aspiration may be needed to drain the fluid from the cyst.

Although surgery is not typically the first step, surgical intervention may be needed to remove the cyst.

What Are the Symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst?

A ganglion cyst will start with mild symptoms which escalate if you do not receive the proper medical care. The most common symptom of cysts of the feet include:

Thick, rough, hardened skin around the area receiving friction.

A hardened raised bump of skin on your toe, foot, or heel.

Tenderness, redness, soreness, and pain under the skin.

Flaky, dry, or waxy skin.

One large cyst or many smaller ones may develop. Multiple small cysts can give the appearance of more than one cyst, but a common stalk within the deeper tissue usually connects them. This type of cyst is not harmful and accounts for about half of all soft tissue tumors of the hand.

Ganglion cysts, also known as Bible cysts, are more common in women, and a majority occur in people between 20-40 years of age. Rarely, ganglion cysts can occur in children younger than 10 years of age.

Ganglion cysts most commonly occur on the back of the hand, at the wrist joint, and can also develop on the palm side of the wrist. When found on the back of the wrist, they become more prominent when the wrist is flexed forward.

These fluid-filled cysts can quickly appear, disappear, and change size. Many ganglion cysts do not require treatment. However, if the cyst is painful, interferes with function, or has an unacceptable appearance, there are several treatment options available.

 If the ganglion causes a great deal of pain or severely limits activities, the fluid may be drained from it.