Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

  • 1.701.946.7400

  • Leave a Review 
  • Patient Portal 
  • Online Bill Pay 
  • Request an Appointment 
The Bone & Joint Center
MENUMENU
  • About Us
    • Careers
  • Meet the Providers
    • Bone & Joint Physicians
      • Duncan B. Ackerman, MD
      • Timothy J. Bopp, MD
      • Chad B. Carlson, MD
      • Joseph W. Carlson, MD
      • Derrick O. Cote, MD
      • Brian P. Dahl, MD
      • Timothy J. Juelson, MD
      • Steven Kraljic, MD
      • Brock A. Norrie, MD
      • Troy D. Pierce, MD
    • Advanced Practice Providers
    • Therapists
  • Specialties
    • Foot & Ankle
    • General Orthopedics
    • Hand & Wrist
    • Hip & Knee
    • Joint Replacement
    • Neurosurgery
    • Osteoporosis
    • Pediatric Orthopedics
    • Shoulder & Elbow
    • Sports Injuries
    • Trauma & Fractures
  • Procedures & Services
    • Orthopedic Surgery
    • Shoulder Replacement
    • Hand Surgery
    • Rotator Cuff – Shoulder Scope
    • Hip Replacement
    • Knee Replacement
    • Joint Revision
    • Minimally Invasive Procedures
    • Ligament Reconstruction
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Hand Therapy
    • Prosthetics/Orthotics
  • Patient Resources
    • For New Patients
    • Therapy Protocols
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Patient Portal
    • Medical Records Release
    • Patient Education
    • Important Phone Numbers
    • Other Resources
    • Good Faith Estimate Notice
    • Notice of Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Contact & Locations
    • Bismarck, ND
    • Dickinson, ND
    • Beulah, ND
    • Garrison, ND
    • Hazen, ND
    • Linton, ND
    • Hettinger, ND
    • Minot, ND
    • Turtle Lake, ND
    • Williston, ND
    • Wishek, ND
  • Ortho Update 2025
    • Achilles Tendon Repair Rehabilitation
    • Achilles Tendon Ruptures
    • ACL Tears: Repair or Reconstructions?
    • ACL Rehab R Malm
    • Articular Cartilage Management
    • Changes over 40 years
    • Conservative Management of Low Back Pain
    • Conservative Treatment for Patella-Femoral Pain
    • Functional Core Stability
    • Imaging of the Spine for Physical Therapists
    • Interventional Pain Medicine
    • Isokinetics: What Can We Learn From the Test?
    • Managing Scapular Dyskinesia
    • Patellofemoral Management
    • Plyometrics
    • Post-op Managment of Slap Repair
    • Rehab Post Rotator Cuff Surgery
    • Remplissage and Latarjet Rehabilitation
    • Return to Sport, What's New?
    • Robotic Shoulder Replacement
    • Rotator Cuff Disease
    • Shoulder Arthroplasty
    • Shoulder Instability with Bone Loss
    • Slap Tears
    • Spinal Stenosis
    • Total Joint Post op restrictions
    • Total Joint Replacements: Younger Patients
    • Total Knee Replacement Rehabilitation
  • Watch Video
  • Read Article

Ganglion Cysts - Wrist/Hand Lumps and Bumps

Click the white PLAY button to start video.

Ganglion Cysts are a common condition.  They are not harmful or cancerous, although they may cause some people discomfort.  Ganglion Cysts usually appear as bumps on the back of the hand and at either side of the wrist.  They are also called “Bible Cysts” because in the past, treatment included hitting them with a Bible or a large book.  Today, of course that practice is no longer accepted.  Instead, individuals with Ganglion Cysts have several professional treatment options from which to choose. 

Read more about Ganglion Cysts - Wrist/Hand Lumps and Bumps

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery

Introduction

Ganglion Cysts are a common condition.  They are not harmful or cancerous, although they may cause some people discomfort.  Ganglion Cysts usually appear as bumps on the back of the hand and at either side of the wrist.  They are also called “Bible Cysts” because in the past, treatment included hitting them with a Bible or a large book.  Today, of course that practice is no longer accepted.  Instead, individuals with Ganglion Cysts have several professional treatment options from which to choose. 
Back to top

Anatomy

Our wrist complex contains many joints.  The joints are composed of several bones in the hand and two bones in the forearm.  The wrist joints function to position our hands and fingers for movement.
 
The bones in our hands are covered with smooth cartilage connected with ligaments.  Ligaments are firm tissues that provide support and enable us to position our hands for finger movements.  The ligaments are lined with a Synovial Membrane.  The Synovial Membrane secretes a thick liquid called Synovial Fluid.  The Synovial Fluid acts as a cushion and lubricant between the joints, allowing us to perform smooth and painless motions. 
 
Ganglion Cysts arise from the fluid filled areas on the ligaments or between the bones.  The cyst is a round sac-like structure filled with Synovial Fluid.  The fluid is harmless and not cancerous.  The fluid can become thick over time, making the cyst feel firm and spongy.  It is common for cysts to grow larger, but they will not spread to other parts of your body. 
 
Ganglion Cysts occur most frequently on the back of the hand and wrist.  These cysts, called “Dorsal Wrist Ganglions,” are the most common type of cyst.  Ganglion Cysts occasionally develop on the palm side of the wrist near the thumb and on the fingertips, just below the cuticle.  Ganglion Cysts can appear on the lower extremities as well.  They may form on the outside of the knee or ankle and on the top of the foot.
Back to top

Causes

Overall, Ganglion Cysts occur more often in women.  The cause of Ganglion Cysts is unknown.  One theory suggests that trauma or stress at the wrist joints may cause degeneration and the formation of cysts.  This may occur in individuals who participate in activities that are strenuous to the hand, such as gymnastics or meat cutting.  According to this theory, prior wrist injuries that are re-injured may be susceptible to Ganglion Cyst development.
 
The second, most likely theory is that the Ganglion Cysts form because of structural flaws in the joint tissues.  The cyst may develop when Synovial Fluid collects between the joints.  As the fluid builds up, it may create a bulge where the tissues weaken.
Back to top

Symptoms

Ganglion Cysts can be so small that they are not noticeable underneath the skin.  They can also become large, over one inch in diameter.  It is very common for the cysts to increase in size.  They may also come and go or disappear forever.  The unattractive appearance of these cysts is what often leads patients to seek treatment for them.
 
Some cysts are painless, but the majority causes some degree of discomfort.  The pain is usually continuous and may become worse with activity.  You may experience a tingling sensation, considerable pain, or numbness if the cyst is pressing on a nerve.
Back to top

Diagnosis

You should have your physician evaluate a suspected Ganglion Cyst but it is not a medical emergency.  Your doctor can diagnose a Ganglion Cyst by performing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms.  Your doctor will feel your cysts and ask you about their degree of tenderness.
 
Sometimes doctors use needle aspiration to confirm the diagnosis of a Ganglion Cyst.  This simple procedure involves numbing the area and then using a syringe and needle to draw fluid from the cyst.  The fluid is examined to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other condition.
 
In some cases, physicians use imaging tests, such as ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, to determine more information about the cyst.  An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image when a device is gently placed on your skin.  A MRI scan provides a very detailed view of the cyst and surrounding structures.  The MRI scan requires that you remain very still while the pictures are taken.  Both tests are painless.  The tests are helpful to determine if a cyst is fluid-filled or solid.  The images can also identify if an artery or blood vessel is causing the bump.
Back to top

Treatment

Some Ganglion Cysts require no treatment and disappear on their own.  Your doctor may recommend that you wear a wrist splint.  This can help relieve pain caused by activity and promote healing. 
 
Physicians may also use needle aspiration to treat Ganglion Cysts.  Your doctor will numb your wrist area for the procedure and remove the fluid from the cyst using a needle and syringe.  The site is injected with an anti-inflammatory steroid medication to reduce swelling.  Your wrist will be splinted following the procedure to promote healing.  Not long after the procedure, your doctor will prescribe exercises to mobilize the joints.  Needle Aspiration is a fairly successful treatment, although some individuals may need to have it repeated a few times.
Back to top

Surgery

Outpatient surgery is recommended if the Ganglion Cyst is painful, causes numbness or tingling, and interferes with functional movement.  In some cases patients want the cysts removed because of their unattractive appearance. 
 
Your surgeon will numb the area before removing the cyst.  Following the surgery, you will wear a splint on your wrist for a few days.  Your doctor may recommend occupational or physical therapy to mobilize and strengthen the joints.
Back to top

Recovery

Recovery from surgery differs from individual to individual, depending on the size of the cyst and the extent of the surgery.  Recovery typically takes from about two to six weeks.  In a few cases the cysts may return.  However, the majority of people experience successful results with surgery.
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Our Patient Reviews


Discover how the devoted care providers at The Bone & Joint Center have made a positive impact on our patients' lives. We value your feedback and your personal experiences are important to us. Share your own review with us today, and let us know how our team has served you. Your input helps us continuously improve and ensure we provide the best care possible.

Leave a Review
  read our Reviews

Blog


Stay updated with the latest advancements in orthopedics and receive updates regarding our practice and healthcare providers by exploring our blog.
READ MORE

Patient Stories


Discover the inspiring journeys of our patients who have experienced remarkable recoveries and life-changing transformations at The Bone & Joint Center. These real-life stories showcase the exceptional care provided by our dedicated team of orthopedic specialists.
READ MORE
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Meet the Providers
  • Specialties
  • Procedures & Services
  • Blog
  • Contact & Locations
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy

Bismarck 310 N. 9th Street Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 946-7400
Fax: (701) 751-4550

Copyright © · The Bone & Joint Center · All Rights Reserved

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

At The Bone & Joint Center, our compassionate orthopedic specialists provide a wide range of services including orthopedic surgery, shoulder replacement, hand surgery, shoulder scope, hip replacement, knee replacement, joint revision, minimally invasive procedures, ligament reconstruction, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Careers
    • Back
  • Meet the Providers
    • Bone & Joint Physicians
      • Duncan B. Ackerman, MD
      • Timothy J. Bopp, MD
      • Chad B. Carlson, MD
      • Joseph W. Carlson, MD
      • Derrick O. Cote, MD
      • Brian P. Dahl, MD
      • Timothy J. Juelson, MD
      • Steven Kraljic, MD
      • Brock A. Norrie, MD
      • Troy D. Pierce, MD
      • Back
    • Advanced Practice Providers
    • Therapists
    • Back
  • Specialties
    • Foot & Ankle
    • General Orthopedics
    • Hand & Wrist
    • Hip & Knee
    • Joint Replacement
    • Neurosurgery
    • Osteoporosis
    • Pediatric Orthopedics
    • Shoulder & Elbow
    • Sports Injuries
    • Trauma & Fractures
    • Back
  • Procedures & Services
    • Orthopedic Surgery
    • Shoulder Replacement
    • Hand Surgery
    • Rotator Cuff – Shoulder Scope
    • Hip Replacement
    • Knee Replacement
    • Joint Revision
    • Minimally Invasive Procedures
    • Ligament Reconstruction
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Hand Therapy
    • Back
  • Patient Resources
    • For New Patients
    • Therapy Protocols
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Patient Portal
    • Medical Records Release
    • Patient Education
    • Important Phone Numbers
    • Other Resources
    • Good Faith Estimate Notice
    • Notice of Privacy Policy
    • Back
  • Blog
  • Contact & Locations
    • Beulah, ND
    • Bismarck, ND
    • Dickinson, ND
    • Garrison, ND
    • Hazen, ND
    • Hettinger, ND
    • Linton, ND
    • Minot, ND
    • Turtle Lake, ND
    • Williston, ND
    • Wishek, ND
    • Back
  • Ortho Update 2025
    • Achilles Tendon Repair Rehabilitation
    • Achilles Tendon Ruptures
    • ACL Tears: Repair or Reconstructions?
    • ACL Rehab R Malm
    • Articular Cartilage Management
    • Changes over 40 years
    • Conservative Management of Low Back Pain
    • Conservative Treatment for Patella-Femoral Pain
    • Functional Core Stability
    • Imaging of the Spine for Physical Therapists
    • Interventional Pain Medicine
    • Isokinetics: What Can We Learn From the Test?
    • Managing Scapular Dyskinesia
    • Patellofemoral Management
    • Plyometrics
    • Post-op Managment of Slap Repair
    • Rehab Post Rotator Cuff Surgery
    • Remplissage and Latarjet Rehabilitation
    • Return to Sport, What’s New?
    • Robotic Shoulder Replacement
    • Rotator Cuff Disease
    • Shoulder Arthroplasty
    • Shoulder Instability with Bone Loss
    • Slap Tears
    • Spinal Stenosis
    • Total Joint Post op restrictions
    • Total Joint Replacements: Younger Patients
    • Total Knee Replacement Rehabilitation
    • Back
  • Patient Portal
  • Online Bill Pay