Not all causes of wrist pain require medical attention, and most of the time, it goes away on its own. However, if your wrist pain lasts longer than a few days or is getting worse, it could be due to a medical problem such as a ganglion cyst. A ganglion cyst is a benign, fluid-filled lump that develops at the tendon or joints of your hand or wrist.
Ganglion cysts share symptoms with other types of problems such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and impact injuries, so it’s important to learn the signs that ensure that your wrist pain is from a ganglion cyst to treat it correctly.
In this blog, we talk about some signs that can help you determine if your wrist pain is caused by a ganglion cyst.
#1 You Have a Visible Lump on Your Wrist
One of the most apparent signs that your wrist pain could be due to a ganglion cyst is the presence of a lump close to the wrist joint. Ganglion cysts look like a round or misshapen (more like an oval shape) fluid-filled lump just below the surface of the skin. Sometimes, the lumps are so small that they can’t be felt or seen and at other times they can be very large. Ganglion cysts usually measure less than an inch (2.5 cm) but can fluctuate in size. The cysts often get larger when you use your wrist for repetitive motions.
#2 You Notice Numbness and Tingling Sensations
Sometimes, ganglion cysts don’t produce any symptoms. However, when they do, you are likely to feel numbness and tingling along with wrist pain. The pain occurs when a cyst presses on the nerve even if the lump is too small to be noticeable. Due to the pressure the lump puts on the nerve, it also causes tingling(pins and needles sensation), numbness, and muscle weakness. The “mass effect” of the lump that has enlarged can also cause inflammation.
#3 Your Wrist Movement is Compromised
A ganglion cyst can also interfere with the movement of your wrist joint. If you have a ganglion cyst that is pressing against a nerve or joint tissue, certain movements are likely to become difficult. You may find it hard to perform certain tasks, such as gripping a pencil or holding a spoon.
Wrist Pain Treatment in Bismarck, ND
If you have a visible lump on your wrist and feel wrist pain, numbness, or tingling and are looking for relief, trust the doctors at The Bone& Joint Center. Our highly-skilled, board-certified, and fellowship-trained doctors will do a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your wrist pain and give you the comprehensive care you deserve. Our team of compassionate doctors is committed to treating patients in our several convenient locations.
If you would like to get more information about wrist pain causes, ganglion cysts, or want to receive treatment for a condition or injury, call us today at (800) 424-2663 to make an appointment or use this online form to request an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
