Can you pop ganglion cyst

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content.

Bones muscles and joints. Home Bones muscles and joints. Cysts - ganglion cysts. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of ganglion cysts Causes of ganglion cysts Ganglion cysts can disappear Diagnosis of ganglion cysts Treatment for ganglion cysts Joint mobility after treatment Ganglion cysts may return Where to get help Things to remember.

Symptoms of ganglion cysts The symptoms of a ganglion cyst include: Noticeable swelling or lump. The lump is able to change its size, including going away completely only to return. The lump is usually soft and immobile. In some cases, the lump is painful and aching, particularly those at the base of fingers. The ache and pain is made worse by moving any nearby joints. The affected tendon may cause a sensation of muscular weakness. The back of the hands and wrists are most commonly affected.

Other sites include the back of the knee Bakers cyst , ankle, foot, palm and fingers. Causes of ganglion cysts No one knows what causes a ganglion cyst to form.

Some of the theories include: The body responds to injury, trauma or overuse by forming an internal 'blister'. Small tears in the tendon membrane or joint capsule allow the contents to squeeze out. Ganglion cysts can disappear Around 30 to 50 per cent of ganglion cysts disappear by themselves without the need for medical treatment. Diagnosis of ganglion cysts Ganglion cysts are diagnosed using a number of tests including: Medical history Physical examination Ultrasound X-rays Needle aspiration a fine needle is used to draw off fluid, which is then examined in a laboratory.

Treatment for ganglion cysts Ganglion cysts used to be treated by slamming them with a heavy book such as a Bible - which explains the term 'Bible therapy'. Medical treatment options include: Close monitoring - if the ganglion cyst isn't causing pain or interfering with movement, some doctors prefer to wait and see. The cyst may simply disappear on its own. Ganglion cyst symptoms. Ganglion cyst home treatment.

When to see your doctor. Ganglion cyst medical treatment. Read this next. Ganglion Cyst Removal. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Ganglion Cysts. Medically reviewed by Emelia Arquilla, DO. Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD.

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Medically reviewed by Timothy Gossett, M. Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD. Sprained vs. A review of randomised controlled trials shows that there are more complications from this approach, such as damage to the nerves or blood vessels or the formation of scar tissue.

But hoping it goes away by itself might still be better than bashing it with a Bible. If you would like to comment on this article or anything else you have seen on Future, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

Disclaimer All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.

Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health. Medical Myths Medicine. Share using Email. By Claudia Hammond 5th February But, as Claudia Hammond reveals, it's best not to take matters into your own hands.

Around the BBC.