Have you noticed a small, unusual lump on your wrist that is sometimes painful or bothersome with certain movements? It could be a synovial ganglion, a fluid-filled cyst that appears near the joints.
Although harmless, it can still cause daily discomfort. Fortunately, there are several solutions to relieve the discomfort and, if necessary, make it disappear.
Why do lymph nodes appear on the wrist?
A wrist ganglion forms when synovial fluid, which naturally lubricates the joints, builds up abnormally in a sac.
But what are the causes? Several factors can contribute to its occurrence:
Overuse of the wrist
Repetitive movements (typing, writing, playing sports, etc.) put excessive pressure on the joint and can lead to the formation of a ganglion.
Past injury
A shock, sprain, or fracture to the wrist can alter the circulation of synovial fluid, thus promoting the formation of a cyst.
Arthritis and osteoarthritis
In some cases, swollen lymph nodes are associated with joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, which weakens the cartilage and can cause a buildup of synovial fluid.
Genetic predisposition
Some people are naturally more prone to swollen lymph nodes in the wrist due to a family history.
What are the symptoms?
A swollen lymph node can vary in size and sometimes spontaneously disappear before reappearing. Here are the most common symptoms:
