A ganglion is a fluid-filled sac (cyst)
that appears on a joint capsule or tendon sheath. Colloquially, the benign
tumor is also referred to as the leg. Outwardly, a ganglion and a transom
actually look very similar. In contrast to the fluid-filled ganglion, the
actual excess leg (exostosis) is a bony outgrowth. The term overbone for a
ganglion is therefore not medically correct.
A ganglion is a cyst, i.e. a body cavity that has
formed due to certain circumstances and usually does not exist. Cysts can
arise in various tissues. They are usually filled with liquid, less often
with air. A ganglion is connected by a stalk to the joint or tendon from
which it originates. A ganglion can hardly be displaced through this
“anchoring”. In addition, it is usually full and feels firm, which
explains the colloquial equation with an over leg.
Usually a ganglion forms on the hand, especially on
the back of the hand, wrist or thumb. Sometimes another finger joint is
also affected. More rarely, a ganglion develops on the foot, toe, ankle or
ankle. The protuberances can also appear on the knees, elbows, shoulders,
hips or on the spine. In principle, every joint and
every tendon sheath can be affected. Intraosseous ganglia are a
special form. They belong to the bone cysts and do not form a bulge
outwards, but rather bulge inwards, i.e. into the bone.
A ganglion often causes no symptoms. Depending
on its size, however, the protrusion can press on the surrounding tissue,
nerves and vessels and, under certain circumstances, impair joint function or
muscle mobility. In addition, the "bump" is visually annoying to
many of those affected, especially since it is easily noticeable on the hand.
Causes of a ganglion
It is not yet known exactly why a ganglion
forms. Several triggers are likely to be crucial . These include injuries and joint
diseases such as osteoarthritis , arthritis or rheumatism . The
lack of firmness of the connective tissue also plays a role. Every joint
and every tendon is surrounded by a sheath, the joint capsule or tendon sheath,
which enables smooth functioning. This shell consists largely of
connective tissue. If there is weak connective tissue, protrusions such as
ganglion can form more easily, especially if the tissue is overloaded.
On the inside of the joint capsule, connective
tissue cells produce the synovial fluid. This serves as a lubricant for
the joint, prevents friction that can impair function and contains important
nutrients for the cartilage. An injury or illness can cause friction,
which the body tries to counteract. To do this, it produces more synovial
fluid as a mechanical buffer. More fluid means more pressure on the shell
layer, which may give way and sag. This is also how a ganglion arises.
Ganglia can develop at any
age. Most commonly, however, people between the ages of 20
and 30 are affected, especially women . The cause is the
hormonal weaker connective tissue in women and the greater mobility of the
joint capsules.
Possible causes of a ganglion
- (Pre) disease or injury to the joint or tendon
- Connective tissue weakness or hormonally "loosened"
connective tissue
- Overloading of the tissue or joint structures
Symptoms of a ganglion
The typical symptom of a ganglion is a firm
but slightly yielding bump , usually near
the joint. The resilient swelling can be a few millimeters in size,
but also a few centimeters. Some ganglia are so small that they go
unnoticed or are only discovered by chance during other examinations.
A ganglion itself does not cause
pain. However, it can press on the surrounding tissue, nerves and
vessels. This sometimes triggers uncomfortable to painful feelings of
pressure or numbness. Freedom of movement can also be restricted by the
ganglion. Tissue bruises may cause circulatory disorders or bleeding,
inflammation and other pain.
Treatment of a ganglion
A ganglion only needs treatment if it causes
discomfort. Otherwise it is sufficient to observe the benign
tumor. Some ganglia regress spontaneously. If the so-called over-leg
disturbs the person concerned, hurts or restricts mobility, treatment makes
sense. The patient and doctor decide together which therapy is the right
one. Before doing this, the patient must be thoroughly examined and
informed about the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatment
options.
Before a ganglion is removed by surgery, it is
advisable to try physiotherapy. Surgical interventions involve risks and leave scars
that can not only be cosmetically disruptive. On the other hand, by
temporarily immobilizing the affected joint, further growth of a ganglion can
be prevented. Bandages or tapes are suitable for this. Pain relievers
and anti-inflammatories may also help.
Another treatment method is the suction of the
fluid from the ganglion by syringe (puncture / aspiration). By puncturing
the body area around the ganglion is relieved, at least
temporarily. Because the remaining cavity, the cyst, usually fills up
again with fluid very quickly. There is also the risks of infection from
piercing the ganglion. To prevent this as much as possible and to prevent
inflammation, the empty ganglion cavity can be flushed with a cortisone
solution. However, puncturing usually does not bring about permanent cure.
Another alternative is to inject hyaluronidase into
the ganglion. The enzyme breaks down hyaluronic acid, which is the main
component of synovial fluid. The remainder is then aspirated by means of a
puncture. However, this therapy does not works for every ganglion.
Treatment of a ganglion
- Physiotherapy and massage
- Bandages and wraps (cooling or warming)
- Medications (pain relievers and anti-inflammatories)
- Puncture
- surgery
- alternative treatments
For occasional pain, nonprescription medication will help. What you
should pay attentions to when taking so that the funds work optimally.
Operation of a ganglion
A ganglion can be removed through various
operations. The minimally invasive procedure (arthroscopy) is carried out
through small incisions in the skin. A larger opening of the affected area
(resection) is also possible. During the operation, the surgeon completely
detaches the ganglion with its connection and carefully closes the original
tissue, usually the joint capsule.
Ganglion surgeries generally show good
results. Usually only a local or regional anesthetic is
necessary. However, complications such as wound infection, vascular and
nerve injuries or wound healing disorders can always occur during
surgery. In addition, a ganglion can form again, at the same or another
location.
During ganglion surgery on the wrist, finger or
foot, a so-called tourniquet can prevent heavy bleeding. After the
procedure, the patient should take care of himself, especially the part of the
body previously affected by the ganglion. A splint or bandages and
physiotherapy help stabilize the affected area after the operation and maintain
general mobility.
Alternative treatment options
It generally helps to protect the joint or the
tendon affected by the ganglion. Ointments, gels, and poultices or
compresses can also help relieve symptoms. A home remedy valued by many
patients is healing clay. Envelopes with the mineral powder cool and
should have a decongestant effect. Some sufferers, however, recommend warm
cabbage wraps. Such home remedies are allowed to be tried carefully.
A ganglion can also be treated with special massage
grips. For this, however, exact knowledge of the hand structures is
necessary. A ganglion massage should therefore only be carried out by a
knowledgeable therapist. Under no circumstances should the swelling be
simply pushed around, otherwise the ganglion could burst.
If a ganglion opens, this initially seems to have a
positive effect. The swelling goes down and the pressures pain
subsides. However, the free fluid in the tissue increases the risk of
inflammation, swelling and further pain. A visit to the doctor is therefore
advisable, especially if you have complaints. Since only the ganglion, but
not its stalk and the cause, disappear as a result of the bursting, the cyst
often forms again quickly.
Anyone doing research on the Internet will
sometimes come across outdated ganglion tips under the name of Biblical or
Hammer Therapy. The upper leg is smashed in the process. In addition
to the risks associated with a ruptured ganglion, there is also the risk of
bone damage and fractures. Piercing yourself is equally dangerous. Opening
a cyst, especially by laypeople, always increases the risk of infection.
Such inflammations can permanently damage the
tissue or even cause blood poisoning. If the area around a (burst)
ganglion swells, becomes red, becomes hard or warm, a doctor should be
consulted. He can prescribe the most effective anti-inflammatory drug and,
if necessary, prescribe additional therapies.
When looking for alternative treatment options,
some patients end up with homeopathy. There are ointments, extracts, globules
and Schüßler salts that are supposed to help with a ganglion. However,
there is no scientific proofs of the effectiveness of homeopathic
preparations. If the pain persists or there are clear signs of
inflammation, a doctor should definitely examine the ganglion.
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