Have you noticed a small, unusual lump on your wrist that can be painful or uncomfortable during certain movements? It may be a ganglion, a fluid-filled cyst that appears near the joints.
Although benign, it can still cause daily discomfort. Fortunately, there are several solutions to relieve the discomfort and, if necessary, make it disappear.
Why does a lymph node appear on the wrist?
A wrist ganglion forms when synovial fluid, which naturally lubricates joints, abnormally builds up in a pocket.
But what are the causes? Several factors can contribute to its appearance:
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.
A past injury
A shock, sprain or fracture of the wrist can alter the circulation of synovial fluid, thus promoting the appearance of a cyst.
Arthritis and osteoarthritis
In some cases, swollen nodes are linked to joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, which weakens cartilage and can cause a buildup of synovial fluid.
A genetic predisposition
Some people are naturally more prone to wrist lymph nodes due to family history.
What are the symptoms?
A ganglion can vary in size and sometimes disappear spontaneously before reappearing. Here are the most common symptoms:
A soft, visible lump on the top or inside of the wrist.
Pain or discomfort during certain movements.
A feeling of pressure or numbness, especially if the cyst is pressing on a nerve.
Good to know: Sometimes a lymph node is completely painless, which is why some people keep it without even paying attention to it.
