Ganglion cysts are round or oval lumps filled with a gel-like fluid found along the tendon sheaths or joints of the wrist and finger.  Sometimes they can be found in ankles and feet.   The size ranges from a pea sized lump to a larger cyst, the size of a golf ball.  They are benign non-cancerous lesions and not considered to be dangerous.  Most ganglion cysts are painless although some may cause pain when they compress on a nerve or affect a joint movement.

Causes

The cause is unknown but the cysts are more common in people following previous injury or repetitive overuse such as during sports or in osteoarthritis.  The cyst usually develops like a stalk from the lining of a joint or the tendon sheath and is filled with a gel-like fluid.

Click to view Orthofilms video on Ganglion Cyst

Treatment Options

Most ganglion cysts do not usually require treatment if they are small and do not cause any symptoms.  However, if your cyst is causing you pain or movement restriction, you may need treatment.  This may be in the form of;

• Splint or braces to support the affected area to reduce pain or swelling
• Surgery to remove the entire cyst

Click to view UCHealth video on Treatment of Ganglion Cyst

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

After surgery, you will have some discomfort and swelling around the surgical site.  You are advised to;

• Keep the dressing clean and dry
• Elevate the hand to rest the tendon and reduce the swelling
• Take pain medication as provided by your doctor

Most people can return to their normal activities between 2-6 weeks after surgery but you should ask your doctor about your condition and recovery time.  Do note that there is a 10-20% chance of the ganglion cyst recurring after surgery.

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