Ganglion cysts rarely require medical intervention if they’re small, painless and don’t impede movement.
Health care providers may use needle aspiration to drain fluid from a cyst and alleviate its pain, though the cyst could return in future episodes.
Natural home treatments could reduce symptoms and prevent the cyst from reappearing. Try one of these six home remedies:
Ganglion Cyst Home Treatment
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Ganglion cysts are soft tissue bumps that form underneath the skin and range in shape and size, often appearing near wrists, hands or feet; most commonly they affect women.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can reduce swelling and pain caused by cysts. Apply diluted ACV several times each day for relief.
Bromelain found in pineapples can help increase blood circulation and treat ganglion cysts naturally. Simply combine equal parts ACV and water and apply it directly onto the affected area; repeat daily for optimal results. Similarly, turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation and swelling.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric may help treat cysts by offering anti-inflammatory benefits and may reduce swelling. Mix turmeric powder with water and apply as desired directly onto the cyst site.
Heat sources like heating pads can also help alleviate pain and reduce swelling in affected areas. Just ensure the temperature is suitable for skin contact; otherwise you risk burning yourself!
Aspiration surgery can also help drain fluid from ganglion cysts; however, this process is more invasive and there is the risk that the cyst may reappear afterward. Furthermore, bumping or compressing it will only enlarge it further.
3. Tea
Synovial fluid is produced by joints and sheaths around tendons to lubricate them, and sometimes forms lumpy-looking deposits known as synovial cysts which resemble water balloons. They may or may not be painful depending on whether they press on nerves; typically found around wrists but occasionally appearing ankles or knees as well.
If they cause pain or interfere with movement, doctors can drain them by making a small incision to extract the fluid through excision surgery – however this process is more invasive than aspiration and there’s a 10% chance the cyst may resurface afterward. Home treatments for ganglion cysts that can accelerate healing are less invasive and safer alternatives to medical procedures; such remedies include:
4. Castor Oil
Castor oil has the power to help dissolve and relieve pain associated with ganglion cysts. Simply mix several drops in warm water and apply several times each day directly onto the cyst for best results.
Lemongrass and frankincense essential oils contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which can reduce swelling from ganglion cysts. Add two to three drops of each oil diluted in coconut oil and apply directly onto the affected area.
Consuming foods rich in vitamin B-complex can also help treat and prevent ganglion cysts from reappearing. You can incorporate these foods into your diet by including foods like berries, fish, nuts, legumes, whole grains and avocado as part of this regimen. Consult your physician before taking a vitamin B-complex supplement.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils contain pain-relieving properties that help reduce swelling and promote healing, as well as increasing circulation to alleviate the symptoms associated with ganglion cysts.
Frankincense oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help to decrease the size and prevent recurrence of ganglion cysts. Use it in dilute form or mix with carrier oils like coconut oil before applying directly onto the cyst.
Home remedies may temporarily relieve the pain and swelling associated with ganglion cysts; however, professional diagnosis and treatment is highly recommended. Your physician may suggest aspiration or surgery depending on its type; other forms of relief could include prescribing splints or medications to alleviate your symptoms.
How to Make a Warm Compress for Ganglion Cyst
To create a warm compress for a ganglion cyst, one can follow these instructions:
- Take a clean, microwave-safe container and fill it with water.
- Warm the water in the microwave until it’s pleasantly warm, avoiding boiling.
- Immerse a clean washcloth in the warm water.
- Squeeze out the extra water from the washcloth.
- Gently position the warm washcloth on the affected area for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat the process as needed.
A warm compress offers relief by reducing inflammation and soothing the pain connected with ganglion cysts. Yet, it’s crucial to bear in mind that warm compresses do not halt the growth of the cyst. If your ganglion cyst brings about discomfort or hampers joint movement, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
The doctor may propose medical interventions like aspiration, which entails draining the fluid from the cyst, or surgery if other methods have proven ineffective.
What Are the Risks of Attempting to Remove a Ganglion Cyst at Home
Attempting to remove a ganglion cyst at home holds numerous risks and potential complications. It is worth noting that such makeshift methods are ill-advised and can lead to further harm.
The hazards associated with endeavoring to eliminate a ganglion cyst at home are outlined below:
- Infection: Pricking the cyst with a needle to rupture it can introduce bacteria, paving the way for infection. In turn, this infection can induce pain, redness, swelling, and may necessitate medical intervention.
- Injury: Striking the cyst with a weighty object, as suggested in certain domestic remedies, can inflict harm upon the neighboring tissues, nerves, ligaments, or tendons. Consequently, one may suffer from pain, bruising, and compromised functionality.
- Recurrence: Home-based extraction methods fail to ensure complete eradication of the cyst. Thus, the cyst may resurface after attempting self-drainage or rupture, which may ultimately require medical intervention in the future.
- Delayed appropriate treatment: Opting to remove the cyst at home may inadvertently postpone the pursuit of suitable medical treatment. Ganglion cysts necessitate evaluation and care from a healthcare professional to ensure proper management and avert complications.
It is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider if you experience pain, discomfort, or hindrance in joint movement due to a ganglion cyst. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and propose suitable treatment options, such as aspiration or surgery, if deemed necessary.
