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
