Ganglion Cysts are also known as synovial cysts or as Gideon’s disease. These cysts are also known as bible cysts as for years, these cysts have been smashed with a bible in order to get rid of them.

Ganglion cysts are lumps of soft tissue, usually not – neoplastic that can occur at any joint. However, these cysts usually occur near the joints and tendons on the hands and feet. Ganglion Cysts are caused by a leakage of the fluid from the joints into the surrounding tissue. These cysts are very common, usually appearing on the back of the wrists.

What Causes a Ganglion Cyst?

The real cause of bible cysts is not known. These bumps develop near the tendons, looking like tiny water balloons. They are caused by a leakage of the fluid from the joints into the surrounding tissue.

Some people are at a greater risk suffering from ganglion cysts than others. Usually, ganglion cysts occur in women between the age of 20 and 40. ( Read More: Gardasil ) However, ganglion cysts can develop in anyone. People suffering from osteoarthritis are also at a greater risk suffering from ganglion cysts. Any injuries of the joints and tendons also contribute to the development of ganglion cysts.

Signs and Symptoms of Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are usually painful. However, they can also be painful when they compress a nerve. When cysts compress a nerve, numbness, tingling sensation or even muscle weakness can occur.

Ganglion cysts can vary in size from small bumps or even larger bumps that are located just beneath the skin. They are usually oval or round, filled with a jellylike fluid. The size of these cysts can fluctuate sometimes even get larger when repeating the movements.

Due to their location, these bible cysts can interfere even with the movement of the joints.

How Is a Ganglion Cyst Diagnosed?

Ganglion cysts are diagnosed with a physical examination of the hand or feet where these bible cysts have developed. During the physical examination, your health care provider will also put pressure on these cysts in order to test the tenderness or any discomfort that can be caused by the pressure on these cysts. Your health care provider will also look the size and shape of these bumps as well as he/she can try to shine a light through the cyst to determine if the cyst is filled with fluid or it is a solid mass.

X-rays, MRI or even ultrasounds are sometimes recommended in order to rule out any other medical conditions of the joints and bones.

Ganglion cysts are also confirmed by aspiration of these lumps, during which the fluid from these cysts will be thick and transparent or clear.

How Is a Bible Cysts Treated?

In many cases, no treatment is needed, as these bible cysts can go away on their own. However, if these ganglion cysts become painful and even interfere with the movement of the joints one of the following treatments are:

Immobilization – temporary immobilization of the affected hand or feet can stop the progression of these cysts or even cause these cysts to shrink. Normally, physical activity of the affected extremity will make these cysts become even larger.

Aspiration – is another treatment method as well as a diagnostic method, during which your health care provider will use a needle to aspirate and drain the fluid from the cyst. The fluid is usually thick, transparent or clear.

Surgery is the last treatment option when other treatment methods have failed. Surgery is recommended in cases when ganglion cysts compress the nerves located nearby or even interfere with the movement of the affected joint. During surgery, your health care provider will remove the cyst and the stalk that attaches the cyst to the joints and muscle tendons.

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