While an orthopedic doctor is mainly believed to treat conditions and injuries of the bones, their area of specialty also extends to joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves and muscles. Although a large portion of the people who seek medical care from an orthopedic doctor do so as a result of pain from osteoarthritis, there is a wide range of conditions and injuries that they address as well. One of these that is less common but, for some, a painful condition is the ganglion cyst.
Ganglion cysts are benign masses or lumps, typically occurring on the top of the hand. Sometimes they also develop in the ankles or feet. They feel hard to the touch and are filled with fluid from tendon sheaths or joint linings. Some people do not have symptoms that require treatment but may seek a diagnosis from an orthopedic doctor when they believe they have developed carpal tunnel syndrome or some other condition.
The cyst may be as small as a pea or as large as an inch in diameter. Depending on where they are located, they may cause pain when you move joints or if you press on a nerve that is nearby. Often, the cyst will go away on its own. For those who are having pain as a result of the cyst, two methods of treatment are available. Aspiration is the use of a needle to draw the fluid out of the cyst while surgery can be performed to remove the entire cyst.
Causes of Ganglion Cysts
No one really knows what causes ganglion cysts. They grow either from the lining of a tendon or a joint, having the appearance of a miniature balloon on a stalk. This typically happens when the tissue surrounding a tendon or joint extends out of its normal place.
Most ganglion cysts occur in women aged 20 to 30 and are more likely to develop in those who have osteoarthritis of the finger joints near the tips of their fingers. Injuries in the tendon or joint also seem to increase the risk of developing ganglion cysts.
Identifying the Ganglion Cyst
In many cases, the orthopedic doctor will base the diagnosis of the ganglion cyst on its locations, shape and size. While most of these cysts do not cause pain, their location may cause them to press on a nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness. Even those cysts that are too small to detect are capable of causing these symptoms.
Any time you notice a lump or experience pain in the hand, wrist, foot or ankle, see an orthopedic doctor for a diagnosis to determine if treatment is needed.
Information to Provide the Orthopedic Doctor
Before you go to your appointment with the orthopedic doctor, make a list of information that will be useful in diagnosing and treating your condition. Include an estimate of how long the lump has been there and whether it seems to only be present at times. List any injuries to the area and whether you have osteoarthritis. Also, include a list of medications and vitamins that you take regularly. Being prepared with as much information as possible will help the doctor provide you with the best treatment if any is needed. If you are based in Los Angeles, you may visit the following website: Orthopedic Doctor Los Angeles