Ganglions: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

After a ganglion has been diagnosed, home treatment includes:

• Wearing a wrist or finger splint off and on for several weeks. This limits movement of the wrist or hand, which helps reduce the fluid that collects within the ganglion sac. This may be all that is needed for the ganglion to shrink and disappear on its own. Do not put the splint on too tight because it can affect the blood supply to the wrist and hand. Signs that the splint is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, or coolness in the hand. Constantly wearing a splint for more than a few days may also cause muscle wasting, known as atrophy.
• Massaging the ganglion. Rubbing the ganglion gently but often may help move the fluid out of the sac. Do not smash a ganglion with a book or other heavy object. You may break a bone or otherwise injure your wrist by trying this folk remedy, and the ganglion may return anyway.

A ganglion may become infected if you break it open. Sometimes, a ganglion may break open on its own. If this happens, home treatment may be all that is needed.

• Use an antibiotic ointment, such as polymyxin B sulfate (for example, Polysporin) or bacitracin, and a bandage. Apply the ointment lightly to the wound. The ointment will keep the skin from sticking to the bandage. Stop using the ointment if a rash or irritation develops under the bandage. The rash may be caused by an allergic reaction.
• Prevent infection by washing the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Apply a sterile bandage at least once a day or when the bandage gets wet or soiled. If a bandage is stuck to a scab, soak the bandage in warm water to soften the scab and make the bandage easier to remove. If available, use a nonstick bandage, such as Telfa.

Call your doctor if signs of infection develop. These include:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
• Red streaks extending from the affected area.
• Drainage of pus from the area.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or groin.
• Fever or chills with no other known cause.

Last updated:	September 23, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC