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