Ask An Expert: Ganglion of the Wrist

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Ask An Expert: Ganglion of the Wrist

Question:

Can a ganglion of the wrist be caused by repetitive movement?

Answer:

A ganglion cyst is a swelling created by fluid or tissue that seeps out from a joint or from the lining of a tendon. This cyst can be soft or hard. It is filled with a jelly-like material. The most common location for a ganglion cyst is the wrist or finger.

The cause of ganglion cysts is unknown. Some medical textbooks say that an injury or repetitive motion can trigger one, but others discount the connection. It seems clear, though, that even if it's not the actual cause, repetitive motion can make a ganglion cyst grow larger.

If a ganglion cyst is not painful and it is not getting bigger, it does not need treatment. However, a growing, painful cyst or one that restricts your motion, may need to be drained (through a tiny needle) or surgical removed.

If you have swelling of the wrist, have your doctor look at it. This is especially important if you have pain or swelling. Besides ganglion cysts, there are a number of other causes, including arthritis and fracture.

Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.

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Last updated:	January 24, 2007

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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