Summary about Disease
A volar wrist ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that develops on the palmar (volar) side of the wrist. It's a non-cancerous, typically benign lump that arises from the joint capsule or tendon sheath. The fluid within the cyst is similar to synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and tendons. Volar wrist ganglions are often cosmetically unappealing and can sometimes cause pain or restrict wrist movement.
Symptoms
A visible lump on the palm side of the wrist.
Pain or tenderness in the wrist, which may worsen with activity.
Weakness in the wrist or hand.
Numbness or tingling in the fingers, if the ganglion presses on a nerve.
Restricted wrist movement.
The size of the ganglion can fluctuate.
Causes
The exact cause of volar wrist ganglions is unknown. Possible contributing factors include:
Joint or tendon irritation
Repetitive wrist movements
Previous wrist injury
Weakness in the joint capsule
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain.
Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, a doctor may inject a corticosteroid into the ganglion to reduce inflammation and pain. This does not remove the ganglion, and it may recur.
Is Communicable
No, volar wrist ganglions are not communicable or contagious. They cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There aren't specific precautions to prevent volar wrist ganglions, as the exact cause is unknown. However, general wrist health measures are helpful:
Use proper ergonomics during activities involving repetitive wrist movements.
Take breaks during prolonged wrist use.
Use wrist supports or braces if needed.
Seek medical attention for any wrist pain or injuries.
How long does an outbreak last?
There is no "outbreak" associated with a volar wrist ganglion, as it is not an infectious disease. The ganglion can persist for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated. It can also spontaneously disappear and reappear.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical examination: A doctor will examine the wrist and hand, looking for the characteristic lump and assessing range of motion and pain.
Aspiration: Fluid can be drawn from the cyst with a needle and syringe to confirm the diagnosis (ganglion cyst) and rule out other conditions.
Imaging tests: X-rays can rule out underlying bone problems. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to visualize the ganglion and surrounding tissues in more detail, especially if the diagnosis is unclear or surgery is considered.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary:
Gradual onset: The ganglion may appear slowly over weeks or months.
Sudden onset: In some cases, it may appear more rapidly.
Pain: Pain can be constant or intermittent, and it may worsen with activity.
Fluctuation: The size of the ganglion can fluctuate over time.
Resolution: The ganglion may resolve spontaneously, remain stable, or gradually increase in size.
Important Considerations
Many volar wrist ganglions are asymptomatic and do not require treatment.
Non-surgical options (observation, aspiration, splinting) are often tried first.
Surgery may be considered if symptoms are severe or non-surgical treatments are ineffective.
Recurrence is possible after both aspiration and surgery.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.