Ganglion cysts are those cysts that are filled with a fluid that can appear on one’s wrist, or foot, or shoulder or hand. They are also referred to as a “Bible cyst.” Typically they tend to appear more often among women and are normally not a cause for worry. They can at times be painful and uncomfortable. Normally these cysts go away without any intervention, so a wait and watch approach may be the best option. They are usually harmless, but can at times cause pain when they exert pressure on nearby nerves. If they don't recede naturally then try to do the book bashing technique. Take a thick and heavy book or any other heavy object and try to bash the cyst. This will help to break the cyst walls and cause the fluid to ooze out. This method is meant to help prevent the recurrence of the problem. It is not usually advisable to get rid of the ganglion cyst if it is not really causing you any pain or any discomfort. Some of the people though try to get rid of these ganglion cysts for cosmetic reasons. Ganglion cysts normally form on top of one’s joints or tendons. Inside the ganglion cyst there is a sticky, thick, clear or a translucent jellylike fluid. This fluid is very similar to the synovial fluid, which is a thick, stringy kind of fluid which lubricates and also cushions the synovial joints. Cysts can feel firm or even spongy depending on the size and also the amount of the liquid that they contain.
Some of the home treatment includes applying ice to the affected area to help reduce the pain and also the swelling. One can also wear a splint that will force the area to stay immobile for some days and thus help to shrink the cyst. Some other remedies to try to cure the cyst include an enzyme called bromelain and also a turmeric extract known as curcumin. In combination these two are found to help reduce the inflammation. The application of these products could hardly cause any side effects. There are various remedies in the practice of homoeopathy as well that help to reduce the large size of the cyst and thus help to drain the fluid. Some doctors use acupuncture to help the person deal with the pain when it gets too severe. If all of these remedies fail then surgery would be the only option. Surgeries however, are needed only in a very few of the cases.