Horrified
to find a fluid-filled and inflamed cyst on your wrist, knee, or ankle
joint? Well, there is nothing to fear as it is most probably a ganglion
cyst. Although these cysts hardly cause trouble and usually go away on
their own, in some cases, they can become quite painful and make joint
movements difficult. To help those in distress, here are some of the
best home remedies to treat ganglion cysts. Scroll down!
Ganglion cysts can be about an inch large across. Some cysts can be easily seen underneath your skin, whereas the smaller cysts are not visible.
These cysts are usually accompanied by a series of signs and symptoms.
Table Of Contents
- What Are Ganglion Cysts?
- Signs And Symptoms Of Ganglion Cysts
- Causes And Risk Factors For Ganglion Cysts
- Diagnosis Of Ganglion Cysts
- What Are The Medical Options to Treat Ganglion Cysts?
- Home Remedies To Treat Ganglion Cysts
- Prevention Tips
What Are Ganglion Cysts?
Ganglion cysts are round, fluid-filled lumps of tissues that usually appear along the tendons and joints. Although they usually occur in the wrist or hand, they can also appear on the ankle or foot.Ganglion cysts can be about an inch large across. Some cysts can be easily seen underneath your skin, whereas the smaller cysts are not visible.
These cysts are usually accompanied by a series of signs and symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms Of Ganglion Cysts
- Discomfort and pain in the affected area
- Loss of mobility
- Numbness
- A tingling sensation
Causes And Risk Factors For Ganglion Cysts
As we have already discussed, ganglion cysts usually occur when there is fluid accumulation in the joint or around the tendons in your hands, wrists, ankles, or feet. This accumulation of fluid may be due to an injury, trauma, or even overuse of the body part.Some factors can also increase your risk of developing ganglion cysts. They are:
- Sex and age – Ganglion cysts are more common in women aged between 20 and 40.
- Medical conditions like osteoarthritis
- Injured tendons or joints
Diagnosis Of Ganglion Cysts
Your doctor may conduct a diagnosis for a ganglion cyst through the following methods:- A physical examination
- Imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI or ultrasound can also locate hidden cysts.
What Are The Medical Options to Treat Ganglion Cysts?
Your doctor may initially ask you to wait a bit to check if the ganglion cyst heals on its own. However, if it doesn’t heal or begins to pain and interferes with joint movement, your doctor may suggest:- Temporary immobilization of the affected joint with a brace or splint
- Aspiration to drain the fluid from the cyst
- Surgery (Surgery may be required only if the other approaches haven’t worked.)
Home Remedies To Treat Ganglion Cysts
1. Essential Oils
a. Frankincense Oil
You Will Need
2-3 drops of pure frankincense oilWhat You Have To Do
- Apply two to three drops of frankincense oil directly to the affected joint.
- Leave it on.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this twice daily.Why This Works
Frankincense oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities that help relieve pain and speed up the healing of the cyst (1).b. Lemongrass Oil
You Will Need
- 3 drops of lemongrass oil
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Add three drops of lemongrass oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Mix well and apply this mixture to the affected joint.
- Leave it on for at least 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this 3 to 4 times daily.Why This Works
The pain-relieving action of lemongrass oil, along with its anti-inflammatory properties, can help in reducing pain and draining out the fluid filled in the cyst (2).c. Tea Tree Oil
You Will Need
- 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- Band-aid
What You Have To Do
- Mix two to three drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Apply it to the affected area.
- Cover the cyst with a band-aid and leave it on.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily.Why This Works
Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation and the build-up of fluid within the cyst (3).2. Apple Cider Vinegar
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup of water
- Cotton balls
What You Have To Do
- Add a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to one-fourth cup of water.
- Soak a cotton ball in this solution and place it on the cyst.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 to 3 times daily.Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help in reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with ganglion cysts due to its anti-inflammatory properties (4).3. Black Tea
You Will Need
Used black tea bagsWhat You Have To Do
- Take a used black tea bag and place it on the affected joint.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wash the area with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 to 3 times daily.Why This Works
Black tea is acidic and can, therefore, help in restoring the pH of the affected skin (5). This can help the ganglion cyst heal faster. Additionally, black tea can also help alleviate inflammation and pain (6).4. Castor Oil
You Will Need
100% organic castor oilWhat You Have To Do
- Apply a thin layer of pure castor oil to the affected joint.
- Cover it with a bandage.
- Leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wash it off.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily for best results.Why This Works
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. This compound shows anti-inflammatory activity that can be used to treat the inflammation and swelling in the affected area (7).5. Warm Compress
You Will Need
A warm compressWhat You Have To Do
- Place a warm compress or a hot water bottle on the affected area.
- Leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes and remove.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily for quick relief.Why This Works
A warm compress is an amazing remedy that not only relieves inflammation but also soothes the pain associated with ganglion cysts (8).6. Epsom Salt Soak
You Will Need
- ½ cup of Epsom salt
- A basin of warm water
What You Have To Do
- Add half a cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water.
- Soak the affected hand, wrist, or foot in this for 15 to 20 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this once daily or every alternate day.Why This Works
The immunomodulatory nature of magnesium in Epsom salt helps in decreasing the production of an inflammatory cytokine in your body (9). This helps alleviate pain, inflammation, swelling, and redness in the affected area.7. K Tape
You Will Need
A K tapeWhat You Have To Do
- Bend the affected joint of your wrist or foot.
- Stick the K tape along the affected area without stretching your joint.
- Wear it for a couple of days.
- Read the instructions on the pack for further guidance.
How Often You Should Do This
You must keep this tape on the affected joint for 2 to 4 days.Why This Works
A K tape can offer support and stability to the affected joint, thereby helping in healing the ganglion cyst. It also helps relieve pain and promotes muscle strength (10).8. Aloe Vera
You Will Need
Freshly extracted aloe gelWhat You Have To Do
- Take some freshly extracted aloe gel and apply it directly to the affected area.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this 2 to 3 times daily.Why This Works
Aloe vera has natural healing properties that can accelerate your recovery (11). It can also help reduce the swelling and inflammation in the affected area (12).9. Turmeric
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Water (as required)
What You Have To Do
- Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of turmeric powder to make a thick paste.
- Apply this directly to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off.
How Often You Should Do This
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.Why This Works
Turmeric contains curcumin, which exhibits wonderful activities, including the ability to combat inflammation, swelling, and pain (13). This can be used to get rid of ganglion cysts.10. Vitamin B-Complex
Vitamin B-complex is a group of water-soluble vitamins that help with cell metabolism (14). It can also reverse the risk of colon cancer and ganglion cysts.Foods rich in vitamin B-complex include berries, legumes, lean meat, eggs, tuna, avocado, and spinach. You can consume foods rich in these vitamins or take supplements after consulting your doctor.
It is wise to make a few changes to your lifestyle if you are suffering from a ganglion cyst. You must try and follow the preventions tips listed below in conjunction with these home remedies to prevent the recurrence of the cysts.
Prevention Tips
- Follow a healthy and nutritious diet that consists of fresh fruits, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and nuts.
- Drink enough water and keep yourself well hydrated.
- Give proper rest to the affected joint.
- Exercise daily.
- Do not over-stress the affected area.
This condition is hardly of much concern, and you will find the cyst healing in no time. All you need to do is give the affected joint as much care and rest as possible.
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