Lump on the wrist: why the ganglion or synovial cyst appears and its natural treatment

Let a appear lump on the wrist It is quite common, especially among the women between the ages of 20 and 50 (although it can appear in people of any age). It’s about a synovial cysta lump that, although it does not represent any risk, can be painful.

Ganglion on the wrist or synovial cyst: what is it

A synovial cyst (also called ganglion) is a benign tumor filled with gelatinous fluid appearing in or around a joint.

Occurs three times more in women than in men and almost in the 70% of cases appear on the dorsal part of the wrist, although they can also appear on the hand (at the base of the fingers), the ankle or the foot. In fact, it is the most frequent tumor in the hand and wrist.

It is usually about hard lumps between 1 and 3 centimeters that move when pressed, although they can also be soft. The substance inside is similar to synovial fluid (which lubricates the joints to prevent the bones from rubbing together when moving) and is composed mainly of hyaluronic acid and proteins.

Why do these lumps appear on the wrist?

It is not known exactly why they appear synovial cysts, but it is believed that a bang or the same joint use (which causes repetitive microtrauma) can favor them. Repetitive injury to the capsular and ligamentous structures that support the joint stimulate the production of hyaluronic acidwhich accumulates to produce the gelatinous substance found inside the lump.

The gymnasts frequently suffer from these cysts, which supports the theory that repetitive trauma and the stress suffered by the joint would be responsible for its appearance. They are also more common in people with osteoarthritis.

What symptoms do ganglions or synovial cysts cause?

In most cases, the synovial cysts do not cause any symptomsbeyond the bulge that can be seen and that some people may find unsightly.

For some people, however, these benign tumors can cause pain, trouble moving the joint, tenderness, or weaknesswhich increase when moving the wrist.

there may also be carpal tunnel syndrome either trigger fingers if the cyst presses on the median nerve (the one that helps bend the wrist and fingers).

How to cure a ganglion cyst or synovial cyst on the wrist?

Sometimes the synovial cysts go away on their own without the need for treatment. Others, however, can last a long time.

If they do not cause discomfort, the most indicated is usually wait to see if they go away on their own. If there is discomfort, these natural measures can help you:

Avoid repetitive movements or overexertion can help the lump reduce its size. compression bandages and wristbands They help keep the wrist firm during rest and help support the bulge.apply heat It can help reduce the thickness of the fluid that contains the cyst and facilitate its drainage into the lymphatic system.Lightly massage the area it can also help drain fluid naturally.

Never try to remove the bulge yourself pricking it with a needle or other objects, because you will only get it infected.

If it’s too painful or affects the mobility of the hand, the doctor may discuss the aspiration of the fluid with a needle wave removal of the lump by surgery. You should keep in mind that it is common for synovial cysts reappear (they have a recurrence rate of approximately 15% to 20%) and that this is more likely with aspiration of the fluid than with surgery.