A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled growth which commonly strikes the wrist or hand. Sometimes it may also appear on the ankle as well as foot. When it comes to the size of the growth, it may range anywhere from an inch in diameter to something very small that it cannot actually be noticed by someone who has it.
Pain or discomfort is a symptom of a ganglion cyst, especially if the joint that has it is moved. If the growth is right next to a nerve, a person who has ganglion cyst may also experience numbness or a tingling sensation.
According to medical experts, having a ganglion cyst is nothing to worry about — it’s something that is not cancerous in nature. What’s more, it tends to go away on its own after some time. However, it is very much possible to have it removed by a doctor, and that is usually by draining the fluid within the growth by means of a needle.
Sometimes having the growth surgically eliminated is warranted. But whether the fluid is drained or the growth itself is removed, a ganglion cyst may grow back. This is especially true if the joint involved is overused or gets injured.
Hate the idea of a needle being stuck into the growth or having it removed with a scalpel and that’s why you are willing to wait until it disappears on its own? Well, here are some things that you may carry out to help lessen the pain and discomfort and even speed up the healing, thus minimizing the impact of a ganglion cyst in your life:
Warm Compress
Immerse a small towel in warm water. Wring out the excess and fold neatly. Place this over the ganglion cyst and leave it there until it is no longer warm. Repeat this several times a day or whenever you want to reduce pain or discomfort. A warm compress can also accelerate the shrinkage of the fluid-filled growth.
Turmeric Paste
Add a few drops of water to half a teaspoon of turmeric and mix very well. The resulting paste should be applied on the growth and left there for several minutes. Everyone knows that turmeric has superb anti-inflammatory properties, and that’s why it can encourage the healing of a ganglion cyst. You may also add turmeric in your diet.
Black or Green Tea Bags
No matter if you prefer black tea over green tea or the other way around, it’s something that you may count on each time a ganglion cyst is leaving you in pain or discomfort. All you have to do is dip a black tea or green tea bag in warm water, and then have it placed neatly over the growth. Let it stay there for several minutes.
Aloe Vera Gel
The gel inside an aloe vera leaf may be used as home remedy for relieving pain or discomfort brought about by a ganglion cyst, as well as for speeding up its healing. All you have to do is gently massage aloe vera gel on the growth. Let it remain in place for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Warm Salt Water Soak
Grab a small basin that can accommodate your wrist, hand or any other body part with a ganglion cyst. Fill it with lukewarm water and dissolve about 1/4 of a cup of Epsom salt in it. Soak the affected area in it until the salt water is already at room temperature. For several days, do this once daily.
Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
It’s also a wonderful idea to include anti-inflammatory foods in your everyday diet — they are those that contain healthy fats. Some wonderful examples include oily fish, nuts, seeds and avocados. Similarly, stay away from those that encourage inflammation, such as sugary stuff and food products out of processed flour.
Sources: medicalnewstoday.com
