A ganglion cyst is basically a sac which is filled with fluid that arises from either a joint (space between two bones) or from a tendon (structure which attaches a muscle into a bone). Inside this cyst is a substance which is sticky, thick, clear, jellylike as well as colorless. Contingent on the size, cysts can feel spongy or firm.

I found this information on A “Nation in Motion”  In the “old days,” a condition called ganglion cysts was referred to as “Bible bumps,” because doctors would tell people to “just smash them with a Bible.” I don’t recommend that because there have been instances of people breaking bones in the wrist that way (turning a little problem into a big one!).

Ganglion cysts are the most common mass in the hand and wrist. They are usually found on the back of the wrist, but also can be found in many other places on the hand and wrist. Smaller cysts can look (or feel) like bumps; the larger ones can look or feel like bubbles, balloons, or balls under the skin.

• Here is the video for the book smash…… I watched this video and it was very helpful in me making the discussion to NOT hit my foot with a book, lol. But, some would be OK with that.

I have read on many sites and my Dr’s have said that there is no guarantee that the ganglion cysts won’t return, even if they are surgically removed. Since I just drained my own, I know that there is a chance it will come back. But, now I know it can be drained and it is painless. I do want to say this as a word of caution. Please be sure to see a Dr before you do this or the Bible/Book Smash.  Even though it is rare, injury to tendons, blood vessels or nerves may occur. These can cause weakness, restricted motion, or numbness. I would never have done this myself if it wasn’t for going to the Dr and getting an ultrasound of the area and xrays.

Here are some home remedies for ganglion cysts. The link for Dr. Alan Mandell also discusses these on his video. I posted that a earlier in this post. I am going to try a few of these to help heal the area and hopefully prevent it from coming back.

All of the sites that I have gone to in order to figure out if there is a way to get rid of this thing without paying an arm and a leg. These are a few of the things that they have said that increase your  risk of ganglion cysts include:

• Your sex and age. Ganglion cysts can develop in anyone, but they most commonly occur in women between the ages of 20 and 40.
• Osteoarthritis. People who have wear-and-tear arthritis in the finger joints closest to their fingernails are at higher risk of developing ganglion cysts near those joints.
• Joint or tendon injury. Joints or tendons that have been injured in the past are more likely to develop ganglion cysts.
• Shoes– I got my cyst on the top of my foot because when I lace my shoes, they would be to tight. I may have to change how I tie my shoes.

On Mayo Clinics Website they shared this little tidbit, which I did take into account. But, since I’m on home health and have sterile things and syringes, I ignored the part where it says to NOT drain yourself at home. I have access to sterile supplies. If I didn’t have access, then I wouldn’t have done it the way I did. I did listen about beating it with a book though lol.

Mayo Clinics Warning: An old home remedy for a ganglion cyst consisted of “thumping” the cyst with a heavy object. This isn’t a good solution because the force of the blow can damage surrounding structures in your hand or foot. Also don’t try to “pop” the cyst yourself by puncturing it with a needle. This is unlikely to be effective and can lead to infection.