The appearance of a lump on the wrist can be caused by a ganglion cyst. Ganglion cysts are harmless and go away on their own. Even so, if the condition causes pain and interferes with hand movement, then you should see a doctor.
Not only occurs on the wrist, lumps due to ganglion cysts can also appear in other areas of the body close to the joints. However, the backs of the hands, fingertips, and wrists are the most common locations for ganglion cysts to appear.
Risk Factors for Lumps on the Wrist
This lump on the wrist appears due to a leak of synovial fluid. Synovial fluid has a thick, jelly-like texture and functions to lubricate and protect joints during movement. This leaky synovial fluid will collect in a sac and form a lump.
It is not known for certain what causes the appearance of a lump due to a ganglion cyst on the wrist. However, there are several factors that are thought to increase the risk of the appearance of these lumps, namely:
- Suffer osteoarthritisSufferer osteoarthritis have a higher risk of developing ganglion cysts in the joints of the hands.
- Excessive use of jointsPeople who overuse their joints, for example for work or sports, are more likely to develop ganglion cysts.
- Have a history of injury to joints and tendonsJoints or tendons that have been injured in the past are more likely to develop a ganglion cyst.
- Women aged 20-40 yearsGanglion cysts can affect anyone, but this condition is more common in women aged 20-40 years.
How to get rid of a lump on the wrist due to a ganglion cyst
Some cases of ganglion cysts do not cause bothersome complaints other than the appearance of a lump on the wrist, so no special treatment is needed to get rid of it. However, if a ganglion cyst causes pain and interferes with joint movement, the doctor can perform the following treatments:
1. Immobilization (resists joint movement)
This procedure is done to limit the movement of the problematic joint. By restraining the movement of the joint, it is hoped that the accumulation of fluid in the cyst can be reduced, so that the nerves are no longer compressed and the pain can also subside.
2. Aspiration (sucking liquid)
Aspiration is performed by inserting a needle into the lump to remove fluid from the cyst. To maximize treatment and reduce the risk of ganglion cysts reappearing, doctors will usually inject anti-inflammatory drugs after this procedure.
3. Artoscopy
Artoscopy is performed by making small incisions to insert a special instrument equipped with a camera (arthroscope) into a joint or tendon. This procedure can also be used to remove a ganglion cyst.
4. Operation
In a surgical procedure or surgery, the doctor will remove the ganglion cyst in the joint by making an incision about 5 cm long.
A lump on the wrist can be caused by a ganglion cyst. Although ganglion cysts are harmless, if they are bothersome or painful, you should see a doctor so they can be treated.