- Conditions
Tendonitis & Ganglions
Do these symptoms fit you?
- Pain with specific movements of the wrist or thumb
- A visible, smooth lump that may change in size
- A grating or squeaking sensation when moving the wrist
- Aching that worsens with repetitive activity
When to see a surgeon
- If a lump on your wrist is painful or interfering with movement
- If tendon pain persists despite rest and over-the-counter medication
- If you experience sudden weakness or inability to move the thumb/wrist
What Dr. Franko does differently
Ultra Accuracy
Utilizes bedside ultrasound to accurately diagnose cysts
In Office Visit
Offers in-office aspiration (draining) for rapid relief of cysts
Custom Modification
Creates customized activity modification and therapy plans
Treatment Options
Non-surgical
Rest, splinting, cyst aspiration, and corticosteroid injections.
Surgical
Surgical excision of the cyst root, or surgical release of the inflamed tendon sheath (e.g., for De Quervain's).
Recovery Timeline
- Aspiration provides immediate reduction in cyst size.
- Tendonitis pain often improves within days of an injection.
- Surgical recovery typically involves 2-4 weeks of restricted lifting.
What to bring
- Any braces or splints you have been using
- List of treatments you've already tried
- List of questions you want answered!
- Start Your Recovery Today
Ready for Relief?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ganglion cysts cancerous?
No, never. However, ganglion cysts can often mimic other more concerning tumors. For that reason, ganglion cysts should be evaluated by a hand surgeon and possibly ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
If I have a cyst drained, will it come back?
There is about a 50% recurrence rate for classic wrist ganglion cysts that are drained. Surgical treatment has a 90% success rate.
What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis?
This is a tendonitis of the thumb extensor tendons, often causing pain with wrist motion and certain lifting and twisting positions.