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Ganglion Cysts services offered in Albany, GA
Ganglion cysts are the most common non-cancerous growth in the hand, but they can become painful or bothersome. The expert team of doctors at Orthopaedic Associates treats ganglion cysts at their state-of-the-art facility in Albany, Georgia. If you have a ganglion cyst that’s painful or interfering with the use of your hand, call or book an appointment online today.
Ganglion Cysts Q & A
What is a ganglion cyst?
Ganglion cysts are lumps that typically grow along tendons or next to the joints in your hand. These benign (noncancerous) cysts can develop in various other areas of your body, such as the foot and ankle, but are most common in the wrist.
These fluid-filled sacs appear, disappear, and change sizes rapidly. A cyst may grow larger when you use the affected joint repetitively. Most ganglion cysts are harmless. However, a cyst may cause pain or problems using the joint if it grows large or presses on a nerve.
How can I tell if I have a ganglion cyst?
You may have a ganglion cyst if you notice a lump near one of the joints of your wrist, hand, foot or ankle. Though ganglion cysts usually aren’t painful, you may feel pain, tingling, or numbness if one pushes on a nerve.
The best way to find out if a lump is a ganglion cyst is to schedule an appointment at Orthopaedic Associates. They provide an accurate diagnosis after a physical exam and in-office MRI imaging test.
Who gets ganglion cysts?
Anyone can develop a ganglion cyst. However, these growths are more common in women and younger people ages 15-40. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing a ganglion cyst, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Previous joint or tendon injury
- Repetitive use of the wrist
Ganglion cysts are especially common among people who participate in gymnastics due to the excess stress this activity places on the wrist.
How do you treat ganglion cysts?
Once your doctor at Orthopaedic Associates confirms you have a ganglion cyst, they discuss the best treatment options for your particular condition.
If your cyst doesn’t cause pain or difficulty, they may recommend waiting for it to disappear on its own. They may ask you to return for a follow-up visit to make sure no unusual changes occur in the cyst.
For cysts that cause pain or unpleasant symptoms, your doctor may drain the fluid from the cyst in a nonsurgical procedure. This treatment may result in the cyst growing back over time.
If your symptoms don’t improve with treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst. For your convenience, Orthopaedic Associates has an ambulatory surgical center located on-site.
Call Orthopaedic Associates or book an appointment online to discover your best treatment options today.