Ganglion Cysts on the Wrist
What You Need to Know and How Dr. Daniel Durand Can Help
If you’ve noticed a small lump on your wrist that seems to come and go, it could be a ganglion cyst. Common and generally harmless, ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often appear on the back or underside of the wrist. Although painless, they can cause discomfort or limit wrist movement if they press on nerves or tendons. Dr Daniel Durand is here to help you understand what ganglion cysts are and offer effective treatment options if they are causing you discomfort in your daily life.
What Causes a Ganglion Cyst?
Ganglion cysts form when fluid leaks from a joint or tendon sheath, creating a small balloon-shaped sac. Although we don’t fully understand why they develop, repetitive wrist movements or strain may be contributing factors. This explains why they are common in people who often type or do manual work. Ganglion cysts are more common in women and generally affect people between 20 and 40. Although many ganglion cysts are not painful, they can press on nearby nerves, causing dull pain, tingling or a feeling of weakness.
How to Recognize a Ganglion Cyst
Generally soft and round, ganglion cysts can vary in size, often increasing and decreasing with activity. You may notice it on the back of your wrist or under your thumb on the palm. Sometimes, the cyst may be sensitive to touch or make it uncomfortable to grip objects. If the cyst presses on a nerve, it may cause a tingling sensation or reduced grip strength.
Treatment Options with Dr. Durand
Dr. Durand suggests several approaches to help you find relief based on the size of the cyst and how much it impacts your life:
- Observation: If the cyst isn’t painful or restricting movement, the best option may be to keep an eye on it simply. Many cysts shrink or disappear on their own.
- Aspiration: For cysts causing discomfort, Dr. Durand can perform an aspiration, using a needle to drain the fluid. This simple procedure can bring immediate relief, although there’s a chance the cyst might return over time.
- Surgical Removal: If a cyst keeps coming back or is particularly bothersome, Dr. Durand can perform minor surgery to remove it, significantly reducing the chance of recurrence.
Taking Back Wrist Comfort
Living with a ganglion cyst doesn’t have to be frustrating. Dr. Durand’s expertise in wrist and hand conditions means you can find relief and return to doing what you love without discomfort.
Get treatment in a private hand surgery clinic by the US and Canada board-certified Hand Surgeon Dr. Daniel Durand!
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