Ganglion ("Bible") Cysts

[KickChick]

I've recently discovered a rather pronounced bump on my wrist similar to the one pictured here
http://img439.imageshack.us/img439/8586/13272013yy.jpg

It doesn't hurt but it does look rather weird.

Now considering that I box at least 4 days a week.... I was wondering if that has contributed to getting this cyst on my wrist.

Someone in my class told me they are known as "bible cysts" ... getting the name for a common urban legend treatment of alleviating the lump by slamming a bible on the location. From what I read of accounts on the internet this seems to work for these ganglion cysts and I almost had someone do it for me this weekend after having a few ;) ... but thought better. I may just get broken wrist instead!

Now today I noticed I am getting a second one.... (as in the picture) and I am starting to get concerned. I cannot stop training and probably that is what I need to do to rest the tendon.

Would accupuncture work?

Here is a site that explains more
http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/hw013.htm

I will absolutely NOT have a needle injected in the area to drain it if I can't find an alternative method.

Anyone else ever get these? Could it be from punching?

[PlumDragon]

It does look like a ganglion cyst but its best to have it checked out for sure.

Ganglion cysts are benign sacks of fluid emanating from your joints, and often develop in the areas on the wrists where yours are. Fortunately they are NOT a threat to your health, but can become painful if they protrude too far beyond into the muscular fascia.

I would recommend not smashing the cyst as it will hurt like hell and will not negate the chance of it coming back. You can have it surgically removed or profesionally "popped". Also you keep it as stress free as possible it may go away on its own accord.

General experiences show that in many circumstances, it wont interfere with your training as long as you are consicous of it and take care to keep it as stress free as possible. If you have decent medical coverage though, you should probably just have them removed in a professional environment...

[KickChick]

Thanks PD ... I'm hoping that it will eventually go away.

But with a second one appearing, it's got me a bit concerned.

I will be seeking professional advice if they happen not to but was just wondering how typical these cysts are with those of us who put constant pressure on our joints & tendons on a regular basis.

[PlumDragon]

Thanks PD ... I'm hoping that it will eventually go away.

but was just wondering how typical these cysts are with those of us who put constant pressure on our joints & tendons on a regular basis.
No problem, glad to be of help. =)
It wouldnt be "rare" for it to go away on its own, but also wouldnt be rare for it to come back in the future.

Regardless how many people actually answer your post, they are a somewhat common affliciton not just with people in martial arts or other sport, but with a variety of other areas, including those who spend too much time at the keyboard.

[KickChick]

..... they are a somewhat common affliciton not just with people in martial arts or other sport, but with a variety of other areas, including those who spend too much time at the keyboard.

Oh but I don't do that ;) :Angel:

I was surprised how many people I've talked to about my "lump" never heard of these cysts.... so at least if no one else replies to this post... it will at least inform them of this condition should one day they come across someone who has these or they get one themselves

[mach5_kel]

My teacher used to say something to the effect of, "if you do choose to use a bible, better say a little prayer first". PD is so right. Dont use a bible.

If you are getting more than one cyct, you might want to see a naturopath or Dr. of Chinese medicine and see what is happening with you body. It does happen to alot of people, but there is often something underlying going on, especially if you have devolped more than one in a generally short period of time.

On the other hand, they are fairly common. I have seen 3 cases in my clinic time in the last 6 months. Draining them is an option I might go with, but as PD said, they might come back. Also, go to a professional to have them drained. Surgery on this area is often NOT a possibilty. It MAY be. The reason being is that the cyst is so close to some important stuctures on the back of the hand which do run a chance of being damaged. However, the cyst itself does not usually present any danger to you.

You could also try some TCM Jow that moves Blood and Qi to help with the cyst. How successfull this will be is pretty up in the air, but it doesnt hurt to try.

Hope another opinon helps, but it is pretty much what PD said

Eric

[KickChick]

Thanks mach

Since I posted this I developed another cyst on the other back of wrist... so I now have 2 on one and one on the other.

Went to my doctor and he said to leave them alone as long as they don't hurt.

They will most likely go away on their own. He even said not to stop boxing either as it really hasn't anything to do with it.

I'll be on holiday for a week and I'll see if resting may alleviate them.

I will try the jow though .... good tip :)

[Durkhrod Chogori]

KC,

Read this brief info please:

http://www.dynomed.com/encyclopedia/encyclopedia/foot_and_ankle/Ganglion_Cysts_and_Fibromas.html

[KickChick]

DC, thank you.

I will be on holiday for a week and will see if the absence of punching will have any effect on the lumps on my wrist.

My GP told me to let it be but I will be going to a specialist upon my return to have them checked if there is no change after non-activity ... (well I do plan on lifting a few glasses with my wrist but that will be the extent of activity ;) )

[slipthejab]

KC,
My pet fish once got a similar cyst. It was terrible.. eventually it caused him to float upside down in the tank. Ya know... a balast issue. So I went on the internet and read up and came across a recomendation that I use a hypodermic syringe to remove what some site thought might be air or fluid... and in doing so I could right my fish and we could live a happier life - balance restored.

So I caught my fish - no small task since he was HUGE and weighed close to 2lbs!! Needless to say my floor was a bit wet and my fish was a bit haired out at being manhandled. I'm sure he couldn't figure out what had come over me! Luckily for him this was no spur of the moment gastronomic intent nor was it spring in the air... it was a medical emergency!

So I sat him on the kitchen counter... wrapped in a wet towel... I prepared the syringe and steadied my nerves... I undid the towel so I could get to his cyst and when he saw the needle he completely flipped out!

Tragically not only did he flip out... he flipped right out of my kitchen window!!!

AGGGHHH!!!!

At the time I was on the 13th floor. Nightmare!
I was frantic! All I could think to do was yell out the window...

FISH!!!!! FISH!!!! FISH!!!!

I must have sounded hysterical... well actually I was hysterical! My best friend for many years had just jumped out a 14th story window because he misunderstood my intentions. How could I have been soooo stupid to try to syringe my fish with an open kitchen window. I am sure in fish first aid manuals everywhere there are diagrams showing responsible and safety-conscious fish owners closing windows prior to triage.

Sadly... I never found his body. Not even the bones. He just dissapeared into thin air. I never got to relieve him of his cyst. I truly believe that I am still paying back for that incident... not long after that I ended up with a meat cleaver in the top of my foot while in the shower!

I'm not normally given to ghost stories and hauntings and whatnot...but how is that for a spooky connection to my missing fish?!?!?!

At any rate... if you go the needle route... make sure you don't have any windows open. It could turn into a real nightmare.

[Johnno]

I've recently discovered a rather pronounced bump on my wrist similar to the one pictured here
http://img439.imageshack.us/img439/8586/13272013yy.jpg

Never mind the damn cyst...... is that an engagement ring on your finger KickChick? :eek: :confused:

I feel like the bottom just fell out of my world. :cry: :cry: :cry:

[KickChick]

ROFLMAO .....


..... I see that post of yours being a recipient of a yearly award ;)

Thanks for the tip slip .... :D :D :D


Oh and that is not my hand (pic I got on a med site) ...

I have 2 rings engagement & wedding :)

[Johnno]

ROFLMAO .....


..... I see that post of yours being a recipient of a yearly award ;)

Thanks for the tip slip .... :D :D :DI think we have an ealy favourite for the 2006 'Funniest Post' title! :D

Nice one Slip!

Oh and that is not my hand (pic I got on a med site) ...Hopes raised.....

I have 2 rings engagement & wedding :)..... then cruelly dashed!

:cry:

[Durkhrod Chogori]

KC,
My pet fish once got a similar cyst. It was terrible.. eventually it caused him to float upside down in the tank. Ya know... a balast issue. So I went on the internet and read up and came across a recomendation that I use a hypodermic syringe to remove what some site thought might be air or fluid... and in doing so I could right my fish and we could live a happier life - balance restored.

So I caught my fish - no small task since he was HUGE and weighed close to 2lbs!! Needless to say my floor was a bit wet and my fish was a bit haired out at being manhandled. I'm sure he couldn't figure out what had come over me! Luckily for him this was no spur of the moment gastronomic intent nor was it spring in the air... it was a medical emergency!

So I sat him on the kitchen counter... wrapped in a wet towel... I prepared the syringe and steadied my nerves... I undid the towel so I could get to his cyst and when he saw the needle he completely flipped out!

Tragically not only did he flip out... he flipped right out of my kitchen window!!!

AGGGHHH!!!!

At the time I was on the 13th floor. Nightmare!
I was frantic! All I could think to do was yell out the window...

FISH!!!!! FISH!!!! FISH!!!!

I must have sounded hysterical... well actually I was hysterical! My best friend for many years had just jumped out a 14th story window because he misunderstood my intentions. How could I have been soooo stupid to try to syringe my fish with an open kitchen window. I am sure in fish first aid manuals everywhere there are diagrams showing responsible and safety-conscious fish owners closing windows prior to triage.

Sadly... I never found his body. Not even the bones. He just dissapeared into thin air. I never got to relieve him of his cyst. I truly believe that I am still paying back for that incident... not long after that I ended up with a meat cleaver in the top of my foot while in the shower!

I'm not normally given to ghost stories and hauntings and whatnot...but how is that for a spooky connection to my missing fish?!?!?!

At any rate... if you go the needle route... make sure you don't have any windows open. It could turn into a real nightmare.

:confused:

I think you need to take a vacation.

What the...!


KC,

Hopefully when you get back (and the break from training) you'll start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. All the best. :)

[El Tejon]

No more coffee for slip! :p

Kick Chick, I have had them on my feet. The cysts were caused by evil shoes. I wrote about it on MAP here: http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52065&highlight=cysts+New+Balance+shoes

I am now much better after not wearing New Balance shoes and the cysts are much reduced. :)