{"id":7208,"date":"2019-06-12T08:40:06","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T08:40:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=7208"},"modified":"2021-04-13T14:39:27","modified_gmt":"2021-04-13T14:39:27","slug":"14-common-signs-symptoms-of-ganglion-cyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-signs-symptoms-of-ganglion-cyst\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Signs & Symptoms of Ganglion Cyst"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ganglion cysts are lumps that typically develop on the hands or wrists of seniors. These non-cancerous cysts do not present a life-threatening situation, and doctors are still unsure about what causes the ganglion cyst to appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ganglion cysts vary in size, from as small as a pea, to an inch or larger in diameter. The cysts contain a clear or milky fluid that has a jelly-like appearance. The fluid sometimes firms, and maybe challenging for physicians to drain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, ganglion cysts go away by themselves and are more of an inconvenience than a health <\/a>risk. However, should the cysts grow near a nerve, it may place pressure on the surrounding tissues causing symptoms of pain. In these cases, a doctor may choose to lance the cyst or remove it through a surgical procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice a cyst developing on your hands, wrists, toes or ankles \u2013 it could be the start of ganglion cysts. Here are eight symptoms of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.    Inflammation and Swelling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the initial stages of the cyst, the patient may not realize the extent of the developing problem. The cyst starts by discoloring the skin <\/a>around the affected area. The patient often experiences no pain, and they may write the swelling off to their arthritis or a bruise under the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as time passes, the patient may notice a significant change in the color of the skin in the affected area. The cyst does not show any signs of appearing, but the center of the affected area may start to turn a deeper red than toward the edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may also notice the occurrence of pain and discomfort symptoms at this stage, and eventually, the emergence of the cyst. The symptoms of inflammation and swelling may even start to affect the mobility of the affected joint. Some patients may notice an increase in discomfort when flexing the affected joint as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.    Development of the Cyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the initial stages of swelling <\/a>and inflammation start to peak, the patient will notice the development of the cyst. The affected area may begin to produce a crown \u2013 which is the start of synovial fluid accumulating in the affected area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synovial fluid lines the joints and fills joint capsules, providing for the lubrication of cartilage to prevent excessive wear. However, in the case of a ganglion cyst, fluid traps under the surface of the skin, producing what looks like a giant pimple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, the edges of the cysts are slightly red, but the discoloration fades after the cyst starts to reach its full size. The cyst may feel spongy, like Jell-O, or it may have a solid feel depending on the size of the growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, patients may develop multiple cysts at the surface of the skin, that all share a common root or stalk to the tissues underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3.    Location of the Cyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Seniors are most at risk of developing ganglion cysts. While medical professionals are unsure of the exact reasons for the cause of the condition, some believe that it may be the result of a drop in circulation<\/a>, as part of the natural aging process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When ligaments and tissues don\u2019t receive enough oxygen, it can result in a variety of disorders affecting the body. In this case, ganglion cysts occur in the joints of the wrist and fingers, and on the back of the hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have the moniker of \u201cbible cysts,\u201d for some unknown reason, and the occurrence of these cysts may exacerbate symptoms of inflammatory disease in patients dealing with conditions like gout, arthritis, and osteoporosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cysts grow to the size of a pea in most cases, but there are patients with cysts as large as 2-inches in diameter. In some cases, patients may develop ganglion cysts on the toes or ankles, making it challenging to wear shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4.    Joint Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, ganglion cysts do not produce symptoms of pain. However, some seniors with the condition may find that it increases the symptoms of their degenerative bone diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 35-percent of patients receive pain symptoms related to the development of ganglion cysts. When doctors examine these cases, they generally find that the stalk of the cysts connects to tissue with nearby nerve endings. As a result, the root irritates the nerve, resulting in symptoms of pain in the patient when they flex the affected joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with degenerative bone disease may need to speak to their doctor about possible changes to their medication that may help deal with the symptoms of pain associated with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, using anti-inflammatory medication <\/a>does not cause any decline in pain symptoms. Patients with cysts on the wrist joint may also find that the pain increases when they flex their wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.    Discomfort When Flexing the Joint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effects of a ganglion cyst may notice that they experience pain emanating from the joint in the affected area. Ganglion cysts have a \u201cstalk\u201d that connects from the affected joint to the surface of the surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This fibrous stalk transports synovial fluid to the top of the cysts, where it pools in the head. This pooling effect results in the development of a spongy or firm cyst. In most cases, the top of the wrists is most affected, with cysts developing on either side of the wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stalk of the cyst may connect to areas of the wrist near to nerve endings. When the patient tries to flex their wrist, the root places pressure on the nerve, resulting in symptoms of pain in the affected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The extent of the pain <\/a>symptoms typically depends on the size of the ganglion cyst, and the age of the patient. Seniors with large cysts are more likely to experience pain symptoms than younger people with smaller cysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.    Weakness in the Finger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some patients<\/a>, especially seniors, may notice that the develo0pment of ganglion cysts results in weakness in their fingers. The hands are a delicate network of fibers, muscle tissue, ligaments, and bones \u2013 in a very compact space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, and changes in tissues in hands may result in dramatic changes to the function and strength of your fingers. When the stalk of ganglion cysts gets in the way of the ligaments that control the fingers, it may result in temporary weakness that lasts until the cysts subside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ligaments cannot deal with the constraints on space in the wrist, resulting in sensations of stiffness and aching when flexing the wrist. These are common symptoms in seniors that develop the condition. Seniors have lower circulation than young adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the blood does not reach the extremities as efficiently. Therefore, a painful cyst stalk, along with an increased inflammation due to decreased circulation \u2013 may result in weakness in the fingers.
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7.    Progression of the Cyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most ganglion cysts are small and don\u2019t reach a size larger than a pea. These types of ganglion cysts disappear on their own, anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the individual. Seniors may find that the cysts stick around for years, due to their reduction in circulation attributed to the aging process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in some cases, the cysts may continue to grow until they reach up to 2-inches in diameter. These types of ganglion cysts may have severe <\/a>pain symptoms and reduce the patient\u2019s quality of life. In these cases, doctors may choose to operate to remove the cyst, but they may be hesitant to do so if the patient is too old to receive an anesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left unmanaged and untreated, these large cysts will typically stop growing at a size between one and two inches in diameter. The cysts develop a spongy, firm feel, and the patient may find them sore to touch.
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8. Age Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ganglion cysts are most common in people aged between 20 to 40-years old. Doctors are unsure as to why young people with otherwise good levels of health may develop the condition. However, some experts believe it may be due to damage to the joint in the affected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s uncommon for young people under the age <\/a>of 10-years old to develop ganglion cysts. The second most common demographic for the condition are seniors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s for this reason that some medical experts believe the condition is age-related. Some experts think that the development of ganglion cysts has an active link to the decline in our circulatory capacity that occurs as we age. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, the demographic with the highest risk for developing ganglion cysts \u2013 is the senior population. Research also shows that women are almost twice as likely to develop ganglion cysts than men. Since doctors are unsure of what causes the condition, there are no recommendations on how to avoid the development of the cysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Artery Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Damage or blockage to the arteries <\/a>is another reason for the development of ganglion cysts. People over the age of 50-years old that start to develop the disorder should visit their doctor for a diagnosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will get confirmation of the situation by taking a sample of the cyst and sending it to a lab for analysis. The physician draws some of the fluid in the ganglion cyst using a hypodermic needle. Another common diagnosis strategy is to use ultrasound to gain an accurate image of the cyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sampling and ultrasound offer insight into the condition of the ganglion cyst, as well as its origin. This method of diagnosis is also effective at identifying arterial issues that are the cause of the problem. The doctor will also be able to tell if the cyst is a solid mass or filled with fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the doctor discovers arterial issues are the cause of the condition and they may refer you to a specialist to discuss treatment of the state.
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10. Joint Injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People that develop ganglion cysts may notice that they experience a steady decline in the health of the affected joint. Ganglion cysts rarely exhibit symptoms of pain in the affected area. However, they may cause a\u00a0 reduction in the range of motion and mobility in the affected joint.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason for the cause of a ganglion cyst is a joint injury due to trauma or repetitive movement. If the patient does not receive the correct treatment for the damage, or the joint does not heal properly, it may lead to the onset of a ganglion cyst. A cyst may start small, and the patient may experience no adverse symptoms until the cyst begins to present at the surface of the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A ganglion cyst takes many months to reach maturity, and it’s for this reason, that many patients do not seek treatment for the cyst due to a lack of pain symptoms. However, the onset of a ganglion cyst may also interfere with the healing of the joint, exposing the patient to a higher risk of developing conditions like arthritis.
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11. Osteoarthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ganglion cysts typically occur in the joints of the wrist and fingers. This cyst starts small and grows in size over many months or even years. It’s common for the cyst to occur in patients that experience some form of trauma, or injury to the joints in the hands and wrists. If these injuries do not heal properly, a ganglion cyst may start to form, but the patient may experience no symptoms of pain or discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a cyst does not issue any pain symptoms, it does reduce the structural integrity of the joint, exposing the affected individual to the development of conditions like osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis <\/a>is a degeneration the bones and cartilage in joints. The development of a ganglion cyst may worsen the effects of osteoarthritis, causing symptoms of pain in the affected joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are over the age of 60-years old and start to experience pain in your joints during movement, it may be the onset of osteoarthritis. If you have a ganglion cyst in the joint exhibiting symptoms, visit your doctor for a diagnosis.
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12. Home Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ganglion cyst also goes by the moniker of a “Bible cyst.” The cyst gets this name from a time where doctors would use a heavy book to smash the cyst, also known as “Bible therapy.” Fortunately, advances in medical science mean that patients no longer have to deal with this crude form of treating the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the more common home care treatments used for managing a ganglion cyst in the past include the application of heat and topical plaster treatments that include various poultice applications. These treatments are dated and no longer suggested by medical professionals to treat the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using these methods to try and heal your ganglion cyst could result in the reoccurrence of the condition, even if they are successful at removing it initially. If you experience the onset of a ganglion cyst, it’s best to seek treatment from your doctor and advice on how to manage the condition.
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13. Treatment Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with the onset of a ganglion cyst may find that they disappear without any treatment. This self-healing does not occur in all cases, and most patients will require treatment from a medical professional to heal the condition and restore range of motion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only effective treatments known to medical science involve aspiration, where a doctor uses a hypodermic needle to remove the jelly-like fluid in the cyst, reducing its size. The doctor then injects corticosteroids into the cyst to eliminate symptoms of inflammation. After removal and treatment, the doctor will splint the affected area to prevent movement and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surgery <\/a>is also another option to remove the cyst from the affected joint. Many patients may start to experience stress over their concern, with the cyst before diagnosis by a doctor. However, stressing over the condition will only worsen its effects, not only on the body but the mind as well.
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14. Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cause for the development of ganglion cysts is still unknown to medical science. Therefore, there is no standard treatment available that produces consistent results. The previous methods described, using aspiration and surgery to remove the cysts, are somewhat useful. However, there is no guarantee that the cyst will not recur in the affected joint. On some occasions, reoccurring cysts may grow back to a more substantial size than the first ganglion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the cause of the cyst remains unknown, it’s challenging for physicians to make recommendations on how to prevent them from occurring. The best way to avoid ganglion cysts is with early diagnosis <\/a>and treatment. If you manage to catch the cyst in the early stages, it’s possible to remove it and improve your chances that the cyst will not recur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, because the ganglion cyst does not present many symptoms of pain and discomfort, many patients avoid receiving a diagnosis, resulting in the further growth of the ganglion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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