Understanding Ganglions: Causes and Treatment Options

What is a Ganglion?

• A harmless fluid-filled sac commonly found on:

• Wrist and hand

• Ankle and foot

• Contains movable fluid from nearby joints

• May result from tendon sheath weakness

• Can appear with or without prior injury

Characteristics

• May be painless or cause discomfort
• Size can increase gradually or appear suddenly
• Can disappear spontaneously
• May reappear over time
• Fluid movement can be felt within the sac

Professional Assessment

• Important to have ganglions evaluated by a healthcare professional

• Ultrasound investigation typically ordered to:

• Confirm diagnosis

• Determine size

• Guide treatment options

Treatment Options

Monitoring

• No active intervention required
• Watch for natural resolution
• Suitable for painless ganglions

Aspiration

• Fluid removal via needle
• Often combined with steroid injection
• Area typically strapped or splinted
• May require repeat treatments

Surgical Removal

• Recommended when ganglion:

• Causes significant pain

• Interferes with movement

• Fails to respond to other treatments