Ganglion Cyst Treatment Specialist in Lyndhurst, OH

Ganglion cysts are fairly common and are most likely to develop in those who were assigned female at birth and are aged between 20 and 50 years old. They are the most common type of mass that forms on the hands and wrists, which are the most likely locations for them to develop, but they can also occur in the ankles and feet. Ganglion cysts are typically fairly small, and in the vast majority of cases, are nothing serious that you should worry about. If they grow to be a bit larger, they may start to cause some pain and limit the function of the joint onto which they are situated, at which point they may require treatment from a physician.

There is no one known cause for ganglion cysts, only a number of factors that can be associated with increasing the risk someone may have of developing one. Osteoarthritis is a condition that is known for increasing one’s risk of developing ganglion cysts due to the increased wear-and-tear that develops on the joints in their fingers, making it more likely that they will also develop a ganglion cyst on those same affected joints. Having previously suffered from a joint or tendon injury will also increase one’s risk of developing ganglion cysts in the joints that were affected. Even just frequently overusing the joints in the hands and wrists will increase the chances of developing a ganglion cyst, although it will not guarantee that one will form. Ganglion cysts form out of the lining of a tendon or out of a joint, often appearing round and as small as a pea that is filled with a thick fluid, which is the same type of fluid that can be found in and around joints and tendons, so it is thought to be that they develop due to a leak of this fluid around the joint from which the leak occurred.

Since there is no specific known cause for ganglion cysts, it is difficult to prevent them from forming. The only way you can try to prevent them from forming is to avoid undergoing any injuries to the joints located in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. Some ways to help prevent joint injuries include avoiding activities or occupational hazards that may lead to joint injuries, frequently resting the hands and wrists after using them for long periods of time, stretching the finger joints, wrists, and hands regularly, and quitting smoking tobacco as that leads to an increased risk to tendons and soft tissues. If you have an occupation that requires frequent overuse of your hands and wrists, it may be worth mentioning to your physician to see if you may be at an increased risk for developing ganglion cysts to know what to expect and do if one ever develops.

For the majority of cases, ganglion cysts will be completely painless and pose no threat to your health, with around 50% of ganglion cysts eventually just going away on their own and not requiring any treatment. However, in some cases, it can take quite a while before the ganglion cyst goes away on its own, or it can grow to be quite large, causing increased pain and limited mobility. If your ganglion cyst is causing any discomfort or you want to get rid of it sooner than later (if it is in a very visible part of the body, it is common to become self-conscious of the large lump), consult with your doctor to see what treatment options are available for you. If you have ever had a ganglion cyst before, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a physician to confirm that it is a ganglion cyst and not something else that would be considered more serious and requires treatment. Medical interventions for ganglion cysts include draining the cyst with a needle, or having the cyst removed surgically.

If you have a ganglion cyst or other diagnosis, we offer treatments to make you feel better. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5035 Mayfield Rd Lyndhurst, OH 44124. We serve patients from Lyndhurst OH, Chagrin Falls OH, Beachwood OH, Pepper Pike OH, Woodmere OH, Hunting Valley OH, Solon OH, Mayfield OH, Moreland Hills OH, Orange OH and surrounding areas.