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Are Ganglions Indicative Of Any Arthritic Conditions ?

Posted on 2 days ago

Question: Hi,

I have a ganglion in the right lower section of my right wrist and also one to the bottom right of my ring finger on my right hand.

Can these be caused by excessive use of the hand phones? I noticed that the size of the ganglions can vary and they can sometimes become more painful and larger particularly when lifting heavy weights such as luggage. Is there an explanation for this occurrence?

Are ganglions indicative of any arthritic conditions or do they indicate a greater likelihood to develop arthritis-related conditions later?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid lifting heavy weights.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us .
Occurance of ganglions in hand and wrist and their waxing and waning is not related to the use of headphones.
If the ganglions become large and painful then it is suggestive of inflammation due to stress or injury. This can happen due to lifting heavy weights or excessive twisting movement of the wrists. Mild pain killer like Tylenol and hot compress will help in reducing pain and swelling. Local steroid injections can also help in reducing their size under the guidance of your orthopedician.
Ganglions are not indicative of arthritis or future development of arthritis. It is more related to inflammation of the tendon sheath and tendon injury.
Hope this answer is helpful.
Any further queries are welcome.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 days later)

Dear ,

Thank you for the information and explanation.

Regarding the swelling of the ganglions, I am wondering whether this could be due to further leakage of the fluids from the tendons? Or is it likely due to inflammation only of the existing fluid pocket which makes up the ganglion?

I think that if it is due to further fluids leaking it would be unhelpful to consider removal of the ganglions as the fluids could accumulate again.

Would appreciate your opinion.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to fluid accumulation or inflammation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The swelling of ganglions can be due to further fluid leakage or due to inflammation of the existing pocket. The fluids can accumulate again also. In case it is constantly painful then local steroid injections in the ganglions can help in drying up the fluid and decrease the inflammation. Removal of the ganglion surgically is the best and last option.
Hope this answer is helpful.
Best Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (17 hours later)

Dear Dr.

Thank you for the information and advice.

Best Regards.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 minutes later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you for the information. I have just thought to upload my ultrasound report. Tenosynovitis was indicated in the area. Is there a connection between this condition and the formation of ganglions?

Can tenosynovitis be caused by excessive hand phone usage?

Thank you,
Regards

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes. Both are related.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
I have seen the attached report.
Tenosynovitis suggests the inflammation of the tendon sheath and is usually associated with mild fluid accumulation. This further causes ganglion formation. Both are related and can be caused by excessive wrist movements while using hand phone.
Proper rest of the wrist using a wrist brace and medicines will help in reducing the inflammation.
Hope this answers your query.
You can consult again in case you find our conversation useful.
Thanks.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla