Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are the most common benign soft tissue masses of the hand and wrist. These fluid-filled sacs arise from joint capsules or tendon sheaths and can appear on the back of the wrist, the palm side of the wrist, the base of a finger, or near a fingertip. While often painless, they can cause discomfort, limit motion, or compress nearby nerves.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of ganglion cysts is not fully understood. They are thought to develop from a defect or irritation in the joint capsule or tendon sheath, causing synovial fluid to leak and pool into a cyst. They are more common in women and in people between ages 15–40, and may be associated with repetitive wrist activity or prior joint injury.

Treatment

Many ganglion cysts resolve on their own and require only observation. When a cyst is painful, limits motion, or is cosmetically bothersome, treatment options include aspiration (draining the cyst with a needle) or surgical excision.

Aspiration is a quick in-office procedure but carries a higher recurrence rate. Surgical excision removes the cyst and its root from the joint capsule or tendon sheath, providing a more durable result. Dr. Kinchelow performs ganglion excision with meticulous technique to minimize recurrence.

Common Symptoms

Visible lump on the wrist or hand
Aching or pain with wrist activity
Tingling or numbness if near a nerve
Cyst that changes in size
Stiffness in the wrist or finger joint
Tenderness to direct pressure

Treatment Options

Observation and watchful waiting
Wrist splinting to reduce activity
Aspiration (needle drainage)
Corticosteroid injection
Surgical excision (open or arthroscopic)
Post-procedure hand therapy

Ready to Get Help?

Dr. Kinchelow specializes in treating ganglion cysts. Schedule a consultation today.

Request Appointment (954) 635-5300