Ganglion Cyst: Removal and Pain Relief in Houston

What are ganglion cysts?

Ganglion cysts of the hand and wrist are very common, may be found in all ages and show up as protruding bumps near your joints or tendons. Often they appear like a bubble or water balloon on a stalk underneath the skin.

Ganglion cysts can be small and grow larger or fluctuate in size. They consist of a clear jelly like fluid and may disappear over time on their own.

If they prove painful or limit your activities, you can find ganglion cyst pain relief treatment at the hand specialist center of Dr. Jason Ashford in Houston and Conroe, Texas.

Typical places ganglion cysts of the hand or wrist occur:

  • Top of the wrist
  • Wrist palm side
  • Top of the joint end finger
  • Palm side at the base of a finger

 

If you think you may be suffering from this condition or are experiencing hand pain, hand stiffness, or nerve injury,  that might signal carpal tunnel syndrome or other related conditions, contact our office at (936) 494-2969 to schedule your appointment. Get expert diagnosis, treatment and pain relief of ganglion cysts at our hand center.

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Are ganglion cysts cancerous?

No, they are not cancerous and do not spread to other places on your body.

Causes of Ganglion Cysts of the Hand and Wrist

The cause of a ganglion cyst formation is not known however it is believed that the following circumstances and conditions may produce them:

  • Irritation of the tendon
  • Arthritis
  • Injuries
  • Mechanical changes in the hand, wrist or fingers

Diagnosis

At your visit, Dr. Ashford will exam your hands, fingers and wrists and allow light to pass through the cyst. If the light does penetrate with visibility, then this is one way to diagnose your condition.

Additionally he may request x-rays to make certain of any conditions or problems that could be near or in adjacent joints to the ganglion cyst.

Treatment Options

Many times treatment can be non-surgical or simply allowing watchful observation if the cyst is not interfering with movement or causing pain. Often they may disappear quickly and abruptly, never to reappear.

However if the ganglion cyst becomes painful or activity limiting or otherwise uncomfortable or annoying, several treatment options exist:

  • Splinting the effected area
  • Anti-inflammatory medications for pain
  • Aspiration of the cyst to drain the fluid from the cyst
  • Surgical removal of the cyst

Once you have completed your examination, Dr. Ashford will discuss your condition, and recommend surgery to remove your cyst. If surgical removal is required, it may involve removal of a part of the joint capsule or tendon sheath. Either traditional open or small incision surgery using arthroscopic techniques may be used. Both provide good results and outcomes.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Jason Ashford to discuss your treatment options at (936) 494-2969.