Under the motto "Your hand deserves experts!", the "Day of the Hand" will take place on March 1, 2025. The German Society for Hand Surgery (DGH) is dedicating this day of action to a widespread but often underestimated topic: ganglion cysts. These benign, fluid-filled swellings on the hands and wrists affect many people and raise numerous questions. Are ganglion cysts dangerous? What can be done about them? Tanja Czarnotta, Consultant Physician for Hand Surgery at Sportklinik Hellersen, raises awareness of the condition and provides information on causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Ganglion cysts, also known as "ganglions", occur mainly in the joints of the hand and fingers. They vary in size and can be soft or hard to the touch. In some cases, they disappear on their own, but if symptoms persist, treatment is advisable. "Although these cysts are harmless in most cases, they can still be painful, impair mobility or be perceived as unpleasant for cosmetic reasons," explains Tanja Czarnotta.
Caption: Ganglion cysts are often harmless, but can cause discomfort. Shutterstock
The exact cause of ganglion cysts is not yet fully understood. Experts suspect that repeated strain, minor injuries to tendons and joints or a weakness in the connective tissue contribute to their development. Ganglions are particularly common on the flexor or extensor side of the wrist and on the finger joints. A clinical examination is often sufficient for diagnosis. The swelling is palpated to check its consistency. Imaging procedures such as ultrasound or MRI can help to examine the cyst more closely and rule out other diseases. If a puncture is performed, the cyst will quickly refill.
Whether treatment is necessary depends on the individual symptoms. "In many cases, it is sufficient to observe the ganglion," explains Tanja Czarnotta and adds: "However, as soon as pain occurs or mobility is significantly restricted, targeted therapeutic approaches are required. The most effective method of treatment is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the cyst is removed together with its envelope." This method reduces the relapse rate and enables a quick recovery. In certain cases, the procedure can also be performed arthroscopically, which spares the surrounding tissue. After the operation, weight-free exercises are possible, adapted to the wound pain. Immobilization is not necessary.
With the "Day of the Hand", the German Society for Hand Surgery aims to raise awareness of the importance of hand health and educate the public about important issues such as ganglion cysts.
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