Ganglion is one of the most common benign lumps that form near the joints or tendons, mainly in the wrists, hands and feet. In the majority of cases, they are not cancerous in nature and their appearance and location can sometimes cause discomfort or reduced functionality, making sufferers seek ways to treat them.
Ganglions are fluid-filled sacs that appear as lumps on the wrists, hands and occasionally the feet. The fluid inside these cysts is thick, sticky and clear, similar to the fluid found in joints and tendons. The ganglions vary in size, some may remain unchanged in size, others may grow, shrink or even disappear completely (often only to reappear later).
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of ganglion is still unknown, but it is thought to result from a dysfunction in the joint capsule. Factors that may increase the risk of developing ganglions include:
- Previous injuries to the joint or tendon
- Age and gender, as ganglions are more commonly seen in people between the ages of 20 and 40 , and in women than men.
- Osteoarthritis, especially in the joints of the fingers closest to the nails.
- Repetitive movement of the joints due to occupation or activity.
Ganglion: symptoms and diagnosis
Ganglion is usually accompanied by symptoms such as a visible lump that varies in size from patient to patient, discomfort or pain (especially with joint movement), weakness or numbness in the area with ganglion.
In order to diagnose a ganglion, a clinical examination by an orthopaedic surgeon and possibly imaging tests (ultrasound or MRI) are necessary in order to obtain a detailed picture to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other conditions.
How is ganglion treated?
Treatment of ganglion varies depending on the size of the cyst, the level of discomfort it causes and how it affects joint movement. Treatment options include:
- Some ganglions may disappear on their own and, if they are not causing pain, the doctor may recommend a watch-and-wait approach.
- Immobilization with a splint. As some ganglions grow due to movement and activity and worsen symptoms, using a splint to immobilize the area can relieve symptoms and help reduce the size of the cyst.
- Suction. In cases where the ganglion is causing significant discomfort or interfering with joint movement, the procedure of aspiration may be indicated. This procedure involves anesthetizing the area around the cyst and draining the fluid using a needle.
- Surgery. Surgical removal is necessary in cases where a ganglion reappears after aspiration, causes significant pain or greatly affects joint function. The operation aims to remove the cyst and part of the involved joint capsule.
Recovery from non-surgical treatments such as aspiration is usually quick, with patients able to resume normal activities immediately afterwards. Following surgical removal of a ganglion cyst, a period of immobilisation and a programme of physiotherapy is usually necessary to restore strength and flexibility.
Can ganglion cysts be prevented?
Although preventing the formation of a ganglion is difficult, some tactics can help reduce the risk of occurrence.
- Protect joints with protective equipment during high-risk activities. This can help prevent injuries that can lead to ganglion development.
- Ergonomic adjustments to workstations or tools to reduce joint strain due to repetitive motion.
- Regular exercise to maintain joint strength and flexibility.
Ganglion, although often not a problem and heals on its own, can in some cases cause discomfort or functional difficulties. Whatever the most appropriate treatment option for each patient, the goal is to relieve symptoms and restore normal function.
To find out more about the treatment of ganglion contact us at 6943903343 (secretariat) or 6949196061 (doctor) and at orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.grand make an appointment.
