Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous, fluid-filled lumps that often pop up on the wrist, hands, ankle, or feet. These are generally harmless but can restrict your movement or cause immense pain depending on their location. An orthopedic doctor in Thane will recommend either surgical removal of these cysts or drain the fluid. Let’s take a look at some quick and effective tips on how to remove a ganglion cyst.
Home Remedies
a) Rest and Immobilization:
Using the affected joint will make the cyst grow. The bigger it gets, the more it will press your nerves, escalating the pain and discomfort. One way to shrink the cyst and get relief from the debilitating pain is by limiting your movements. Rest as much as possible and use splints or braces to avoid moving the affected joint.
b) Warm Compresses:
To alleviate pain, place a cloth soaked in warm water on the cyst for 10-15 minutes and repeat it 3-4 times a day. Although warm compresses won’t magically remove the cyst, they can help with pain and discomfort.
c) Over-the-counter Pain Relief:
If the pain is severe, consider taking over-the-counter pain relief medication. However, these, too, are temporary solutions that may offer relief for a short while only.
Medical Treatments
1) Aspiration Procedure:
This is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. You can have the cyst punctured and fluid drained instead of having it surgically removed. The procedure is called aspiration. As the cyst shrinks, it stops pressing the surrounding nerves, thus relieving your pain. The downside is that the cyst can grow back.
2) Corticosteroid Injections:
These are strong anti-inflammatory injections that can significantly reduce swelling and pain around the affected site. However, these injections will only help manage symptoms, not remove the cyst or drain the fluid.
3) Surgical Removal:
Your last resort is the surgical removal of the ganglion cyst. It’s performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. They will make a small incision, remove the cyst with the stalk that attaches it to the tendons, and close the incision.
Prevention Tips
There’s no guaranteed method to prevent ganglion cyst, but if you’ve had one before and want to prevent its recurrences, these tips can help:
- Avoid repetitive movements, especially those putting excessive strain on your joints.
- Protect your joints from accidents and traumas, as they can increase the likelihood of recurring ganglion cysts.
- Practice low-impact exercises and light stretching
- Maintain a proper posture when using the affected joints
- Use ergonomic tools to prevent strain on your wrists or ankles.
When to See a Doctor
Although home remedies can help manage pain and other symptoms, it’s best to seek ganglion cyst treatment in Thane for proper care. Here’s when you should seek medical attention:
- The cyst causes extreme pain and has restricted your regular movements
- The cyst is hot and painful to touch, with noticeable swelling around the area
- The cyst has grown in size
- Non-invasive treatment options have proven ineffective
Ganglion cysts are not life-threatening, but if they cause pain or interfere with your daily activities, medical care can help.
