What type of doctor for ganglion cyst

But some occur in the ankles or feet. When a ganglion cyst presses on a nerve it can be painful. And depending on its location, a ganglion cyst may restrict movement. Some cysts do not need treatment, but others must be surgically removed. During a ganglion cyst removal, a doctor removes the cyst capsule or stalk to completely remove the cyst.

Even with surgery, a ganglion cyst may reoccur. If your doctor decides that surgery is the best option, follow their specific instructions to prepare for surgery. Your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist in hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, who will perform the surgery. Ganglion cyst removal is usually an outpatient procedure and may be performed under local or general anesthesia. Before surgery, your doctor may draw a line above the cyst to mark the incision location.

During the surgery, your doctor numbs the treatment area and cuts along the line with a scalpel. The doctor then identifies the cyst and cuts it out along with its capsule or stalk. Once the cyst is removed, your doctor stitches the opening to let the skin heal. Surgery is usually seen as a last resort for ganglion cyst treatment. Before deciding to remove a ganglion cyst, your doctor will discuss other treatment options.

One surgery alternative is having the cyst drained. This occurs through a process called aspiration. In this procedure, your doctor punctures the cyst with a needle and drains fluids, causing the cyst to shrink. This can relieve the pain caused by the cyst pressing on the nerves in your wrist and hand. Your doctor may also prescribe a wrist brace to prevent movement around the cyst.

Movement can cause the cyst to expand and cause more pain and discomfort. By limiting movement, a brace can allow the cyst to shrink, which minimizes the pain that the cyst causes by pressing on surrounding nerves.

If you have ganglion cysts on your feet or ankles, wearing looser shoes or tying your shoelaces less tightly may minimize your pain.

Some drugs, advertised as FDA-certified, are sold that claim to dissolve ganglion cysts using capsules taken by mouth. These drugs are not FDA-approved, so talk to your doctor before attempting to use these products. Do not try to puncture a cyst yourself with a needle or other sharp objects. This increases the risk of recurrence and can also cause infections. A common misconception about cysts is that hitting them with a large object will make them pop or shrink and go away.

The risk of recurrence is much higher when this method is used, and you can injure yourself or cause infections around the site of the cyst. If aspiration is not an option, your orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst and underlying cause.

This is most commonly done on an outpatient basis, but will require 3 to 6 weeks to for the incision to heal and full range of motion to return. This now brings their total David Remias and Dr. Pavel Balduyeu, to their This five-year agreement, initiated on Nov. Call Now Corona Virus Policy. What is a Ganglion Cyst? Imaging scans, such as an X-ray, ultrasound , or MRI , can help a doctor determine the cause of the nodule and rule out other issues.

A ganglion cyst usually does not need treatment, as long as it causes no discomfort or pain. Up to half may disappear without intervention, but some take several years to resolve completely.

A doctor will recommend some form of treatment if the cyst is pressing on a nerve and causing pain. Adapting footwear : If the cyst is on a foot or ankle, shoes should not rub or irritate it. It may help to wear soft or open shoes, insert padding, or lace the shoes in a different way.

Wearing a splint or brace can help limit movement, and this may cause the cyst to shrink. Pain relief : If the cyst is painful, over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, can help. A traditional remedy involves hitting a ganglion cyst with a heavy object, such as a book. However, there is limited evidence that this method is safe or effective. Doctors do not advise people to do this, as the blow could damage surrounding structures in the body.

This could lead to a severe injury. If a person experiences significant discomfort, they should speak to their doctor about treatment. If the cyst is large, painful, or it causes problems, however, a doctor may recommend removing it with one of the following techniques:. Aspiration : This involves removing the fluid from the cyst.

However, because the underlying structure remains, the cyst may form again. Some people need to undergo the procedure several times. Surgery : A surgeon can make a small incision and remove the cyst and its stalk. Keyhole, or arthroscopic, surgery is also an option.

However, researchers writing in noted that arthroscopic surgery may be the way forward in resolving ganglion cysts. After surgery, the person should keep the area covered and protect it from being bumped accidentally. A ganglion cyst does not pose a serious health problem. However, if it is causing any discomfort or limitation of movement, speak to a doctor, who may recommend a procedure to remove it.