Experiencing a small, fluid-filled bump near your wrist or foot can be unsettling, especially when it interferes with everyday activities. Ganglion cysts often manifest as painless lumps, but they can become tender or limit joint mobility when they grow larger. When aspiration and observation no longer provide relief, surgical excision becomes the most reliable solution. Tec Orthopedics in Manila specializes in precise ganglion cyst removal, helping patients regain full function without the risk of recurrence.
What Is a Ganglion Cyst?
Definition and Anatomy: A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with thick, jelly-like fluid, commonly forming near joints or tendons in areas such as the wrist, hand, ankle, or foot. These cysts vary in size from that of a pea to a golf ball and can shift over time, sometimes shrinking or enlarging based on activity levels.
Causes and Risk Factors:While the precise trigger remains unclear, repetitive wrist or ankle movements—common in athletes, musicians, and individuals with manual occupations—are linked to cyst development. Previous joint injury or arthritis may also elevate the risk, as cartilage deterioration can allow synovial fluid to escape, creating a cystic sac.
Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Surgery
Common Symptoms
- Visible Lump: Often translucent, you may notice a small round mass under the skin.
- Discomfort or Pain: Pain intensifies with joint movement or pressure.
- Range-of-Motion Limitations: Stiffness or decreased flexibility, especially in the wrist.
Red Flags and Complications
- Nerve Impingement: Tingling, muscle weakness, or numbness if the cyst presses on a nearby nerve.
- Rapid Growth: Sudden enlargement can signal inflammation or require differential diagnosis.
- Impact on Daily Life: Difficulty typing, lifting objects, or maintaining grip strength.
Non-surgical vs. Surgical Options
Observation or needle aspiration can help in mild cases, but cysts often recur. Surgery is recommended when:
- Conservative treatments fail after several months.
- The cyst causes persistent pain, weakness, or functional impairment.
- You require a definitive, long-term resolution.
Why Choose Tec Orthopedics for Ganglion Cyst Surgery Manila
Board-Certified Specialists: Our surgeons are fellowship-trained in hand and foot surgery, with extensive experience performing ganglion cyst excisions under magnification to ensure complete removal of the stalk and sac.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Pre-operative ultrasound or MRI confirms the cyst’s exact size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures, reducing operative time and enhancing precision.
Proven Track Record: Tec Orthopedics has successfully treated hundreds of patients in Manila, achieving excellent outcomes and low recurrence rates through meticulous surgical technique and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Pre-operative Evaluation and Imaging
- Consultation: Review your medical history, symptom duration, and prior treatments.
- Imaging: High-resolution ultrasound or MRI maps the cyst and stalk for precise excision planning.
Surgical Approach
- Anesthesia: Local or regional block numbs the surgical site, ensuring you remain comfortable without general anesthesia risks.
- Incision and Exposure: A small incision is made directly over the cyst, minimizing surrounding tissue trauma.
- Cyst Excision: Under loupe magnification, the entire ganglion sac and its connecting stalk are removed to prevent recurrence.
- Closure: Fine, absorbable sutures close the skin, reducing scarring. A sterile dressing protects the wound.
Safety Measures
Rigorous aseptic technique and antibiotic prophylaxis reduce infection risk, while real-time monitoring ensures patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
What to Expect Post-Surgery
- Immediate Care: Your hand or foot will be elevated and immobilized in a splint for 1–2 weeks.
- Pain Management: Oral analgesics and cold therapy control soreness.
- Stitch Removal: Sutures dissolve or are removed at the 10- to 14-day mark.
Physical Therapy and Mobility
- Early Mobilization: Gentle range-of-motion exercises begin once swelling subsides, typically 2 weeks post-op.
- Strengthening: Progressive resistance exercises restore grip strength or weight-bearing capacity over 4–6 weeks.
Preventing Recurrence
- Activity Modification: Avoid repetitive stress on the joint during the initial healing phase.
- Regular Follow-up: Periodic evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months ensure any early signs of recurrence are detected and managed promptly.
Takeaway
Living with a ganglion cyst can affect your mobility, productivity, and overall comfort—especially when it begins to interfere with daily activities. While some cysts may shrink or remain painless, others require medical intervention to prevent worsening symptoms. For those dealing with recurring pain, restricted movement, or failed non-surgical treatments, ganglion cyst surgery is often the most effective and permanent solution.
Tec Orthopedics offers expert care for Ganglion Cyst Surgery Manila, combining modern diagnostic tools, skilled surgical techniques, and personalized aftercare to ensure the best possible outcome. With a track record of successful cases and a focus on patient-centered recovery, Tec Orthopedics helps you return to a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward lasting relief, book a consultation today and let our orthopedic specialists guide you toward a smooth, confident recovery.
