A synovial cyst is a lump in the wrist filled with fluid that can be annoying and painful. We explain why it happens and how it is treated.
- Ganglion in the wrist or synovial cyst: what is it
- Why do these lumps come out on the wrist?
- What symptoms do synovial ganglions or cysts cause?
- How to cure a ganglion or synovial cyst in the wrist?
A lump appearing on the wrist is quite common, especially among women between 20 and 50 years old (although it can appear in people of any age). It is a synovial cyst, a lump that, although it does not represent any risk, can be painful.
GANGLION IN THE WRIST OR SYNOVIAL CYST: WHAT IS IT
A synovial cyst (also called a ganglion) is a benign tumor filled with jelly-like fluid that appears in or around a joint.
It occurs three times more in women than in men and almost in 70% of cases it appears on the dorsal part of the wrist, although they can also come out on the hand (at the base of the fingers), ankle or foot. In fact, it is the most common tumor in the hand and wrist.
Normally these are hard lumps of 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 joints to prevent bones from rubbing when moving) and is composed mainly of hyaluronic acid and proteins.
WHY DO THESE LUMPS COME OUT ON THE WRIST?
It is not known exactly why synovial cysts appear, but it is believed that a blow or the use of the joint itself (which causes repetitive microtrauma) may favor them. Repetitive injury to the capsular and ligamentous structures that support the joint would stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, which builds up to produce the jelly-like substance inside the lump.
Gymnasts frequently suffer from these cysts, which supports the theory that repetitive trauma and stress on the joint would be responsible for their appearance. They are also more common in people with osteoarthritis.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DO SYNOVIAL GANGLIONS OR CYSTS CAUSE?
In most cases, synovial cysts do not cause any symptoms, beyond the lump that is seen and that some people may find unsightly.
For some people, however, these benign tumors can cause pain, trouble moving the joint, tenderness, or weakness, which increase with moving the wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome or trigger fingers may also be present if the cyst presses on the median nerve (the one that helps bend the wrist and fingers).
HOW TO CURE A GANGLION OR SYNOVIAL CYST IN THE WRIST?
Sometimes synovial cysts go away on their own without treatment. Others, however, may last for a long time.
If they do not cause discomfort, it is usually best to wait to see if they disappear on their own. If there is discomfort, these natural measures can help:
- Avoiding repetitive motions or overexertion can help the lump shrink.
- Compression bandages and wristbands help keep the wrist steady during rest and hold the lump.
- Applying heat can help reduce the thickness of the fluid containing the cyst and facilitate its drainage into the lymphatic system.
- Lightly massaging the area can also help drain fluid naturally.
Never try to remove the lump yourself by pricking it with a needle or other objects, as you will only get it infected.
If it’s very painful or affects your hand’s mobility, your doctor may consider aspirating the fluid with a needle or removing the lump by surgery. Keep in mind that synovial cysts are common to recur (they have a recurrence rate of about 15% to 20%) and that this is more likely with fluid aspiration than with surgery.