- Wrist cyst ganglion is a common condition that affects both men and women.
- It is a non-cancerous lump that usually appears on the wrist joint or hand.
- While the cause of wrist cyst ganglion is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to joint or tendon irritation.
- Although it is usually painless, it can cause discomfort, especially when pressing on nearby nerves or tendons.
- There are various exercise management techniques that can help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
When you notice a small lump-like swelling on the dorsal aspect of the wrist, chances are it is a ganglion cyst. Most wrist ganglion cyst cases are not painful, and the person is usually concerned about their cosmetic looks. Some sufferers complain of pain in wrist movement, and pain even radiates to the arm. Whatever it may be in the early stage, it can easily be managed by following simple ganglion cyst wrist exercises.
In this article, we will learn easy exercises for ganglion cysts in the wrist. We will also cover the signs and symptoms to understand wrist ganglion cysts better. So, let us get started.
What are ganglion cyst at wrist
Ganglia are actually benign soft tissue tumours most commonly seen in the wrist joint. However, it can also be found in other joints, but 60% to 70% of wrist ganglia are found on the dorsal aspect of the wrist1. These cysts are connected to the underlying joint through a pedicle. They are filled with fluid mainly containing hyaluronic acid.
Where does wrist ganglion cyst come from
Although the exact cause of how fluid is filled inside this cyst is unknown, there are two proposed mechanisms. The first mechanism proposes that it may originate from within the joint, pumped into the cyst by the motion of the wrist through the pedicle. The second mechanism tells that fluid from an extra-articular degenerative process may result in cyst formation and subsequent communication to the joint.
Any one of the mechanisms could be the possible cause, or it is also possible that a combination of these mechanisms contributes1. It is believed that acute or chronic joint stress may cause ganglion cysts in the wrist.
Symptoms of Ganglions
On palpation, it will feel like a soft rubber ball and is painful if you put overpressure on it. A surgical cyst incision is required in advanced cases, but it can be managed with exercises if detected early.
Most wrist ganglion cysts do not have symptoms besides swelling2. For others, pain in the wrist is the most common symptom and is more annoying than debilitating. In more advanced cases, pain may also radiate up the patient’s arm, leading to decreased range of motion and grip strength.
Easy exercises for ganglion cyst in the wrist
Most cases are asymptomatic; reassurance and observation are the treatment of choice for them. This is because, in 58% of cases, the swelling reduces spontaneously without intervention2. The exercises we will learn can also be followed safely for recovery from ganglion cyst wrist surgery, except for the self-massage technique.
1. Self-massage to reduce the size of wrist nodule
The first exercise among the list of ganglion cyst wrist exercises is a self-massage technique. In most cases, only applying this self-massage technique is enough to resolve the nodule. For this, you need to use your thumb, so take your thumb, keep it over the lump and press it lightly. Press it firmly and then rotate your thumb in a circular motion, as displayed in the figure.
You must move the thumb in a circular motion while pressing the lump. Perform this every morning or whenever you get time, when you are free, sitting in the office, or at home; whenever you have time, you should do it this way. Along with this, you also have to keep exercising your wrist. You can follow all the exercises that we are going to learn subsequently in this article.
2. Wrist flexion-extension
It is a very simple yet effective ganglion wrist exercise. This exercise can be performed either in a sitting or standing position. So, sit or stand straight and keep your arm straight at shoulder level, keeping the palm facing downwards. In this position, bend your wrist upward and downward smoothly and slowly.
Repeat this wrist flexion and extension motion for a minimum of 15 to 20 times in a session.
3. Wrist radial ulnar deviation ganglion wrist exercises
Wrist radial and ulnar deviation are our next ganglion cyst wrist exercises. When you move your wrist sideways, we term this motion as the radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist. Radial deviation is when we bend the wrist towards the thumb, and if you bend it towards the little finger, it is called ulnar deviation. The starting position for this exercise would be the same as the previous with the only difference is you need to keep your palm facing inwards.
In this position, move your wrist into radial and ulnar deviation. The motion should be slow and smooth, and try to bend it to the end range. Repeat this a minimum of 15 to 20 times in a session.
Surgical removal of wrist ganglion
In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the cyst. However, other less invasive procedures may also be used to treat ganglion cysts, such as aspiration, steroid injection sclerotherapy, and hyaluronidase were generally ineffective. Aspiration is the simplest method in which the syringe is used to remove fluid from the nodule. But it has a high recurrence rate. Many clinicians prefer brace immobilization after aspiration2.
Finally, the surgical removal of ganglion cyst with its pedicle is considered the most effective treatment.
FAQ on wrist ganglion
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Dr Sunit Sanjay Ekka is a physiotherapist in practice for the last 15 years. He has done his BPT from one of the premium Central Government physiotherapy colleges, ie, SVNIRTAR. The patient is his best teacher and whatever he gets to learn he loves to share it on his Youtube channel and blog.
