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What is a Ganglion Cyst?

A ganglion cyst is essentially a benign, fluid-filled swelling that emerges on joints or tendons and usually appears on the wrist, hand, ankle, foot, or knee. The cyst may vary in size and usually grows during physical activity. The cause of ganglion cysts remains unknown, but they might develop following irritation in the joints or tendons. Ganglion cysts are not harmful but can cause distress, pain, and limited mobility. 

What Are The Causes of a Ganglion Cyst?

Ganglion cysts are thought to develop when joint or tendon tissues become irritated or weakened. Although the exact cause is unclear, possible contributing factors include:

• Repetitive joint stress
• Previous injury or trauma
• Joint or tendon inflammation
• Degenerative changes in joints
• Fluid leakage from the joint capsule

They are more common in people who frequently use their wrists, such as typists, athletes, and musicians.

Signs & Symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst 

Ganglion cysts are benign lumps that occur most often in the area of tendons or joints near wrists, hands, feet, and knees. Below are the signs and symptoms of a ganglion cyst:

• Visible or hidden lump: A round, oval, and visible bump under the skin that feels soft or may be firm. 
• Pain and discomfort: You may feel a certain level of pain and discomfort in the area where it has developed.
• Swelling: You may develop swelling over the affected area. 
• Restricted movement: You may feel discomfort in moving the body part that is affected.

Diagnosis of a Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is usually diagnosed through a clinical examination performed by a healthcare professional. It involves:

• Basic check-up: The diagnosis is based on appearance, location, and feel of the lump. 
• Light check-up: A light may be shone through the lump to determine whether it is filled with fluid; cysts contain clear, jelly-like fluid, so they often allow light to pass through. 
• Advance Scans: If the doctor is unsure about the lump, then certain imaging tests such as an ultrasound scan or MRI will be recommended.
• Fluid-Removal (Aspiration): In certain cases, aspiration may be performed, where a sterile needle is used to withdraw fluid from the cyst.  

Although ganglion cysts are benign and non-cancerous, any persistent, growing or painful lump should always be evaluated by a qualified medical professional to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. 

Ayurvedic Views On Ganglion Cysts

In Ayurveda, Ganglion cysts are known as granthi, which is simply a benign knot or localized swelling. It happens due to an imbalance in the kapha and Vata dosha in the body. Kapha dosha, which is the controller of heat and energy in the body, gets imbalanced due to uneven eating habits of a person, creating a fluid-like substance. Vata, which is the controller of air and movement, gets imbalanced due to uneven routine and lifestyle of a person, pushing it into different parts of the body. It generally happens due to the accumulation of toxic substances, known as Ama, caused by weak digestion in the body. 

Ayurvedic Therapies for Ganglion Cysts

Ayurvedic treatment for ganglion cysts involves balancing doshas and minimising fluid retention in the body. It includes the following therapies for the treatment of ganglion cysts:

• Virechana (Purgation): This therapy involves the elimination of excess Pitta dosha through controlled purgation. Since Pitta is linked to inflammation and heat in the body, its removal can reduce inflammation and help shrink the cyst by addressing one of its root causes.
• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Lubricate the affected region with medicated oils such as Kshirbala Taila. This enhances the draining of the lymphatic fluid and reduces inflammation, ensuring the cyst does not fill with excess fluid. It is a mild massage that also encourages relaxation and boosts circulation around the cyst, enhancing natural healing.
• Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Nasya refers to the installation of medication through the nostril that allows for the drainage of too much fluid in the body. It is well suited when there is dominance of Kapha. Nasya helps open up or clear blockages so that detoxification ensues, and the size and pain of the cyst decrease.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Ganglion Cysts

There are many herbal remedies that Ayurveda offers to balance the doshas, reduce inflammation, and aid the body in its natural healing of ganglion cysts. Here are three of the most common Ayurvedic medicines for this ailment:

• Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): f It is known to reduce pain or swelling, especially at the wrist, foot, or even fingers. These regions are more likely to experience the formation of ganglion cysts. 
• Dashamoola: It is useful in treating two of the contributing factors to ganglion cysts: fluid retention and swelling. Dashamoola will also assist in cleansing the body by promoting the natural mobilisation of toxins and excess fluids, which can further reduce the size of the cyst and the pains and stiffness related to it.
• Kanchanar Guggulu: With the use of Kanchanar bark in combination with Guggulu resin, the cyst size may reduce because of improvement in lymphatic drainage and removal of toxins from the body. 

Dietary Guidelines For Controlling Ganglion Cysts

According to Ayurveda, diet plays a major role in preventing and easing ganglion cysts. 

• Cooling, Anti-inflammatory Foods: Cool anti-inflammatory foods are cucumber, coconut water, and leafy greens. 
• Warm, Easy-to-Digest Meals: Ayurveda suggests having easy-to-digest, warm food items like soups, stews, and steamed veggies.
• Avoid Aggravating Foods: Processed foods, junk items, spicy, or fried foods can upset the dosha balance of your body. 

Certain Lifestyle Modifications For Preventing Ganglion Cysts

Ayurveda also gives importance to lifestyle measures that prevent and manage ganglion cysts. Some of the lifestyle modifications that should be adopted include:

• Gentle Exercise: Gentle exercises such as yoga can potentially help. They are beneficial because they enhance blood circulation, besides maintaining joint flexibility that assists in preventing fluid buildup in the cyst.
• Hot and Cold Compress: The compress helps improve circulation when hot and brings relief from discomfort by reducing inflammation and fluid buildup.
• Avoid Repetitive Movements: Activities that lead to repeated strain on the injured area, such as typing or over-rotation of the wrist, exacerbate a ganglion cyst. 

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if:

• The cyst grows rapidly
• Severe pain develops
• Numbness or tingling occurs
• Joint movement becomes restricted
• The lump changes colour or becomes inflamed

Conclusion

Finding a sudden lump on your wrist or joint can seem dangerous and fearful, but it is completely benign and harmless. Modern treatment may suggest removing it with surgery or needles, but Ayurveda works on melting it with its treatment approaches. Ayurvedic treatment suggests certain dietary and lifestyle modifications to prevent it from developing so that the person won't further develop in the future.

References

Ganglion Cyst - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf 

Treatment of ganglion cysts - PubMed

Ganglion cysts of the wrist: pathophysiology, clinical picture, and management - PubMed

Multiple Ganglion Cysts of the Wrist and Leg in a 70-Year-Old Female: A Case Report - PubMed