Surgery
If the cyst repeatedly returns or causes significant pain, weakness, or functional problems, surgical removal may be considered.
During surgery, the cyst and its connection to the joint or tendon are removed.
As with any procedure, surgery has potential risks and should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Do Not Try to Burst the Cyst Yourself
In the past, people sometimes tried to hit or crush ganglion cysts with a heavy object.
This is dangerous and should not be done.
Attempting to burst the cyst can cause:
- Tissue damage
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Damage to nearby structures
A ganglion cyst should only be treated using an appropriate medical procedure.
Can Exercise Make It Worse?
Certain repetitive activities may increase discomfort if a ganglion cyst is present.
For example, activities that repeatedly bend or load the wrist may make symptoms more noticeable.
However, this does not mean that everyone with a ganglion cyst needs to stop using their wrist.
A healthcare professional can help determine which activities should be modified based on the person’s symptoms.
Ganglion Cyst vs. Other Wrist Lumps
Not every wrist lump is a ganglion cyst.
Other possibilities can include:
- Lipomas
- Arthritis-related swelling
- Tendon problems
- Inflammation
- Injuries
- Other benign growths
- Less commonly, other medical conditions
This is why a new or unusual lump should not automatically be self-diagnosed as a ganglion cyst.
