Ganglion Cysts.  You may have heard of them before and along with it, probably came some folklore about the somewhat primitive, even brutal rumors that doctors would hold your hand down and smash the cyst with a large, heavy book!  While that may have been the practice of some doctors, back in the day, there are much better ways to handle a ganglion cysts today. Ganglion cysts are fairly common.  They are non-cancerous, fluid filled cysts that are generally on the back of the hand, near the wrist joint, although, they can show up in any joint of the hand or even the tip of the finger.  They can be a bit elusive, as it’s not uncommon for them to come and go, shrink or expand.   If you suspect that you have a ganglion cyst, you should consult with your upper extremity physician for a complete diagnosis. Usually, treatment for a cyst is easy and without complication.  On rare occasions, if the cyst is creating pressure on nearby nerves or if there is increased pain and decreased function of the hand, surgery may be considered. The first line of treatment is the ‘watch and wait’ routine.  It’s simple; just keep on eye on it.  The cyst may go away on its own.   Immobilization is another treatment option.  Sometimes, activity will aggravate the cyst and result in increased growth.  Your doctor will help you decide if immobilizing the wrist is the right course of action.  Finally, aspiration is another non-surgical option.  The doctor will numb the area and draw out the fluid with a small needle.   This can alleviate some pressure and pain you may have been experiencing. So, how can you prevent ganglion cysts?  Well, there is no easy answer because doctors aren’t even sure what causes them in the first place.  They can sometimes result from injury to the tendons or joints in the wrist and can be a complication of osteoarthritis.  Remember, just because you have arthritis, doesn’t mean you will get a ganglion cyst.  There are no predictive markers for who gets them and who does not. Practicing good hand care and making sure you don’t overuse your wrist and hand joints is always a good idea.  If you do develop cysts or growths in your hand, make sure you schedule a full evaluation with your hand specialists.  They can set things in motion for a speedy recovery.