A few weeks ago I noticed my wrist was swollen and sore. A bump had appeared on my right wrist. Since my career relies on the use of my hands, wrist injuries always worry me. However, I didn’t immediately run to the doctor. Since I wasn’t in a lot of pain, I decided to research on my own at first and monitor. Through google, I determined that a ganglion cyst was forming.
A ganglion cyst usually forms over a joint. The cause of the cyst is not well known but it can be related to trauma to the tendon sheath. Since I practice karate, I’m pretty sure that the ganglion cyst formed due to trauma. Ganglion cysts are common in women and can occur anywhere in the body. The most common place for a ganglion cyst is the wrist.
The first step with a ganglion cyst is to allow for time for natural healing. So, I decided to use ice and keep up with my daily routine for a couple of weeks. When I returned from karate Nationals, the cyst had gotten larger. It was time to go see the doctor!
My doctor told me to try to keep weight bearing exercise to a minimum and to be careful about bending my wrist. He wanted to wait an additional two weeks before aspirating the cyst and a steriod injection. There is no guarantee that aspiration will work anyways. The best method for curing a ganglion cyst is to allow time for healing.
So I stopped doing regular pushups and sparring at the dojo for a couple of weeks. I also quit lifting weights with my trainer. However, there was no cutting back on working as a dental hygienist. I kept up with icing every night and applied frankincense and cedar essential oils. After two weeks of modified rest, the cyst is going away.
I’ll be interested to see if the ganglion cyst goes away for good or if it returns. Have any of you every dealt with a ganglion cyst?
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Ohhhhh I have had one removed twice. Lol. It’s back…but small . My ortho said if I want to smack it with a heavy book, It will burst it. It has been 2 years. It hasn’t gotten any bigger and no…. I haven’t even thought twice about smacking it. I have a pretty nice scar in about the same spot. Doc was hoping it would dissolve on its own with some tlc but it didn’t so I had the surgery. Still came back. Oh well. I do find icing it and even a little massage helps w the pain.
Hi Gina,
Thanks for sharing! My Dr. told me about the book “treatment” but he was joking! He said that’s how they used to do it back in the day. However, he advised I don’t try it as it is very painful! Thankfully mine is getting smaller with modified use. I do find that ice helps when it’s sore! Have a good day and good luck with your cyst!
I have a ganglion cyst on my right wrist. I’ve had it for about 4 years now, I think. It affects my mobility in my right hand, and does get painful from time to time. I go into more detail in my blog, http://soluble-fiber.com/2015/07/30/wrist-problems-a-ganglion-cyst/ … but a doctor is going to take a look at it, and hopefully get it fixed!
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