Wrist Ganglion Cyst experts in san antonio

What Is A Wrist Ganglion Cyst?

Wrist ganglion cysts are noncancerous, fluid-filled lumps that develop on the back of the wrist or hand. An inflammatory reaction occurs when tissues surrounding a joint or tendon become inflamed. Fluids inside these cysts are similar to those necessary to lubricate joints. Most ganglion cysts are painless and common, however, if a cyst grows too big, it can press on the nerves in the wrist, causing pain, weakness, or numbness.

what are the symptoms of a wrist ganglion cyst?

Symptoms of a wrist ganglion cyst can include:

  • Visible lump: The most prominent symptom is a visible lump/bump on the back of your wrist or hand. Depending on the size of the lump, it may be firm or rubbery to the touch.

    Discomfort or Pain: Some people may experience pain from ganglion cysts if a nerve is pressed by the cyst. Depending on the activity, such as gripping or bending the wrist, the pain can be sharp or dull.

    Numbness or Tingling : Cysts pressing on nerves can also cause tingling or numbness in fingers or hands.

  • Cyst Size Changes: Over time, cyst size may fluctuate, sometimes increasing with activity and sometimes decreasing with rest.

    Weakness: The hand or wrist may become weak in cases of ganglion cysts, especially if the cyst is large.

  • Limited Range of Motion: Cysts may restrict wrist joint movement, causing stiffness or limited movement.

  • Worsening Symptoms: Repeated use of the wrist or certain activities that put pressure on the cyst may worsen symptoms.

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What Are the treatment optons for a Wrist Ganglion Cyst?

There are a variety of treatment options for wrist ganglion cysts, depending on the size and severity of the cyst, as well as the individual's preferences. It is important to take into account the severity of your symptoms and the recommendation of your doctor when choosing an appropriate treatment plan. The following are some common treatment approaches:

Non- surgical treatments

  • Monitoring: It may be enough to monitor a cyst, especially if it is painless and doesn't cause any problems. Over time, ganglion cysts can shrink or disappear.

  • Immobilization: Splints and braces can be worn to limit joint movement and alleviate pain and swelling. Cysts can also shrink as a result of this treatment.

  • Aspiration: In this procedure, fluid is withdrawn from the cyst using a needle. Aspiration can provide quick relief, but if the underlying cause isn't addressed, the cyst might grow back.

  • Corticosteroid injection: Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in cysts. In order to reduce the chances of recurrence, this treatment is often combined with aspiration.

surgical treatments

  • Ganglionectomy: Surgery may be an option if non-surgical treatments do not provide relief or the cyst continues to recur. This procedure involves removing the entire cyst, along with its stalk, from the joint or tendon sheath. There are two approaches to this surgery: open surgery (traditional approach with a larger incision) and arthroscopy (minimally invasive approach with a smaller incision).

In order to determine the best course of treatment for wrist ganglion cysts, individuals should speak with their healthcare provider about their symptoms and preferences.

IF YOU Have a wrist ganglion cyst, YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. OUR EXPERIENCED ORTHOPEDIC TEAM SPECIALIZES IN DIAGNOSING AND TREATING A WIDE RANGE OF Hand & wrist CONDITIONS IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. 

why come to The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for your Wrist Ganglion Cyst?

When you visit us at The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, you will find a fine-tuned team ready to take care of you. Your physicians have over 100 years of collective experience and represent multiple generations and training backgrounds. In addition to your surgeons, you may meet one of our hand surgery fellows. Each fellow is a fully trained orthopaedic or plastic surgeon who has completed 5 to 7 years of surgical training after graduation from medical school and has chosen to spend an additional year in training to study hand surgery. In addition to the physicians, you will meet various staff members. From the front desk staff and Medical Assistants (MA’s) to the x-ray and cast technicians, each is committed to taking care of you.

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Other hand & wrist Related Issues we can help with

Did you know we offer in-house therapy?

Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.

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