Ganglion Cysts in Grand Rapids, MI

Ganglion cysts are one of the most common causes of lumps on the hand and wrist seen in orthopedic and hand clinics across Grand Rapids, Michigan. While they can look concerning, they are usually benign (non‑cancerous) and often harmless.

This guide explains what ganglion cysts are, symptoms to watch for, how they’re treated, and when to see a doctor in the Grand Rapids area.

What Is a Ganglion Cyst?

A tendon is a tough band of connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. Both tendons and joints are surrounded by a membrane that produces a lubricating fluid to help them move smoothly.

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops from this membrane or sheath around a tendon or joint. The fluid inside is usually thick and jelly-like.

  • Ganglion cysts are benign (non-cancerous).
  • They are the most common lump on the hand and wrist.
  • They can appear suddenly or grow slowly over time.

In Grand Rapids, ganglion cysts are frequently treated in orthopedic and hand specialty clinics associated with providers such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

Where Do Ganglion Cysts Commonly Occur?

Ganglion cysts can develop near any joint or tendon, but the most common locations are:

  • Back (top) of the wrist – the most frequent site
  • Palm side of the wrist
  • Base of the fingers
  • Palm of the hand
  • Back of the knee (Baker’s cyst)
  • Ankle and foot

Because many residents in West Michigan work in manufacturing, healthcare, office jobs, and manual labor, repetitive hand and wrist motion can make ganglion cysts more noticeable or symptomatic.

Who Is Most Affected?

While anyone can develop a ganglion cyst, they are most common in:

  • Women between 20 and 40 years old
  • People who perform repetitive hand or wrist movements (typing, assembly line work, lifting, manual labor, or certain sports)

Children and older adults can also develop ganglion cysts, but this is less common.

Symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst

Many ganglion cysts cause no symptoms other than a visible lump. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Noticeable lump or swelling
    • Size can change over time
    • May get larger with activity and smaller with rest
    • Sometimes disappears completely and then returns
  • Texture and movement
    • Usually soft or rubbery
    • Typically fixed in place (does not move freely under the skin)
  • Pain or aching
    • Some cysts are painless
    • Others cause a dull ache, especially at the base of the fingers or on the wrist
    • Pain often worsens with movement of nearby joints
  • Weakness or discomfort
    • A cyst on a tendon may cause a feeling of muscle weakness
    • You may notice reduced grip strength or difficulty lifting objects
  • Numbness or tingling
    • If the cyst presses on nearby nerves, you may feel numbness, pins and needles, or burning in the hand or fingers

If you notice a new lump on your hand, wrist, ankle, or foot, it is important to have it checked by a healthcare professional in Grand Rapids to rule out other causes.

What Causes Ganglion Cysts?

The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but several theories exist:

  • Response to injury or overuse
    • The body may react to minor injury, repetitive strain, or overuse by forming an internal “blister” filled with joint or tendon fluid.
  • Small tears in the joint capsule or tendon sheath
    • Tiny openings can allow fluid to escape and collect in a sac, forming a cyst.
  • Degeneration of tissue
    • Normal wear and tear of joint or tendon coverings over time may play a role.

Because the underlying cause is unclear, there is no guaranteed way to prevent ganglion cysts.

In Grand Rapids, repetitive strain from work, sports, and winter activities (such as shoveling snow or using snow blowers) may make cysts more noticeable or symptomatic, but they do not fully explain why some people develop them and others do not.

Can Ganglion Cysts Go Away on Their Own?

Yes. Around one-third to one-half of ganglion cysts:

  • Shrink or disappear without treatment
  • May come and go over months or years

For this reason, many providers in Grand Rapids may recommend a “watch and wait” approach if:

  • The cyst is not painful
  • It does not limit movement
  • It is not causing numbness or weakness

However, you should always have a new lump evaluated by a doctor to ensure it is truly a ganglion cyst and not another condition.

How Are Ganglion Cysts Diagnosed in Grand Rapids?

If you visit a primary care provider or orthopedic specialist in Grand Rapids with a suspected ganglion cyst, they may use several steps to confirm the diagnosis:

1. Medical History

Your provider will ask about:

  • When you first noticed the lump
  • Whether its size changes
  • Any pain, numbness, or weakness
  • Your job and activities (typing, heavy lifting, sports, etc.)
  • Any previous injuries to the area

2. Physical Examination

During the exam, your doctor may:

  • Inspect and feel the lump
  • Shine a light through it (transillumination) – ganglion cysts often allow light to pass through
  • Check your joint range of motion
  • Test strength and sensation in the surrounding area

3. Imaging Tests (If Needed)

Depending on your symptoms, your provider may order:

  • Ultrasound – to confirm that the lump is fluid-filled and to rule out other masses
  • X-rays – to look at the underlying bones and joints, especially if arthritis or other joint problems are suspected
  • MRI – rarely needed, but may be used if the diagnosis is unclear or surgery is being considered

4. Needle Aspiration (Diagnostic and Therapeutic)

A fine needle may be used to draw out fluid from the cyst:

  • The fluid is usually thick and clear or jelly-like
  • Removing fluid can confirm the diagnosis and may relieve symptoms
  • In some cases, the fluid may be sent to a lab for analysis

Needle aspiration is commonly performed in outpatient clinics throughout Grand Rapids.

Treatment Options for Ganglion Cysts in Grand Rapids

Treatment depends on your symptoms, the size and location of the cyst, and how much it interferes with daily activities. Local providers in Grand Rapids typically offer the following options:

1. Observation (“Watchful Waiting”)

Your doctor may recommend no immediate treatment if:

  • The cyst is painless
  • It does not interfere with movement or work
  • You are comfortable monitoring it

You’ll be advised to return for follow-up if:

  • The cyst grows
  • Pain develops
  • You notice numbness, tingling, or weakness

2. Splinting and Activity Modification

Short-term splinting or bracing may be used to:

  • Reduce movement of the affected joint
  • Decrease irritation and pain
  • Allow the cyst to shrink

However, long-term splinting is not recommended, as it can lead to stiffness and reduced joint mobility. Your provider will typically encourage gentle movement as soon as it is safe.

3. Needle Aspiration

Needle aspiration is a common, minimally invasive treatment:

  • A local anesthetic is used to numb the area
  • A fine needle is inserted into the cyst
  • Fluid is withdrawn to empty the cyst
  • Sometimes a steroid medication is injected afterward

Key points:

  • About 75% of patients have good relief after aspiration.
  • However, recurrence is common—some estimates suggest up to half of aspirated cysts may return.
  • A cyst that is aspirated three times may have an 80% or better chance of being cured.

Aspiration is often performed in outpatient clinics at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and other orthopedic practices in the city.

4. Surgery (Excision)

Surgical removal may be recommended if:

  • The cyst is painful
  • It keeps coming back after aspiration
  • It causes numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • It interferes with work, sports, or daily activities
  • It is located on the foot or ankle, where surgery is more commonly needed

During surgery:

  • The cyst and its “stalk” or root are removed
  • The procedure is usually done by an orthopedic or hand surgeon
  • It may be done under local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on location and size

After surgery:

  • You will usually wear a splint for about one week
  • Recovery time varies from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the location and your job/activities
  • Your doctor or therapist will give you specific exercises to restore strength and motion

In Grand Rapids, surgical treatment for ganglion cysts is available through:

  • Orthopedic and hand surgery departments at Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health orthopedic clinics
  • Private orthopedic and hand surgery practices in the metro area

Do Ganglion Cysts Come Back After Treatment?

Yes, ganglion cysts can recur even after treatment:

  • Needle aspiration has a higher recurrence rate.
  • Surgical removal has a lower risk of recurrence, but it is not zero.

If your cyst returns:

  • See your doctor or orthopedic specialist again
  • Additional aspiration or surgery may be considered
  • Your provider will discuss the risks and benefits of repeating treatment

What About “Home Remedies” Like Bible Therapy?

Historically, ganglion cysts were sometimes treated by hitting them with a heavy book—often a Bible—leading to the term “Bible therapy.”

This approach is not safe and is strongly discouraged:

  • You can cause fractures, tendon injuries, or nerve damage
  • You may worsen pain and swelling

Always seek professional medical care rather than attempting to burst a cyst at home.

Living With a Ganglion Cyst in Grand Rapids

Because West Michigan experiences cold, snowy winters and humid summers, you may notice:

  • Joint discomfort or stiffness in cold weather
  • Cysts feeling more noticeable with increased winter activities like shoveling, scraping ice, or using snow blowers

To manage symptoms:

  • Use warm compresses (not hot enough to burn) to ease stiffness
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) if recommended by your doctor
  • Avoid repetitive movements that clearly worsen your pain
  • Follow any hand therapy or exercise program provided by your healthcare team

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact your primary care provider, urgent care, or an orthopedic/hand specialist in Grand Rapids if:

  • You notice a new lump on your hand, wrist, ankle, or foot
  • The lump is painful or growing
  • You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • The cyst interferes with your work, driving, sports, or daily activities
  • You have had a cyst treated before and suspect it is coming back

If you do not have a regular doctor, you can:

  • Visit a local urgent care or walk-in clinic
  • Contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health resources for help finding a primary care provider
  • Check with major health systems like Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health for clinic locations and referrals

Key Takeaways About Ganglion Cysts

  • Ganglion cysts are benign, fluid-filled lumps that commonly appear on the hands and wrists.
  • They are especially common in women aged 20–40, but can affect anyone.
  • Symptoms may include a visible lump, pain, aching, and sometimes muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling.
  • 30–50% of ganglion cysts may disappear on their own without treatment.
  • Diagnosis usually involves a medical history, physical exam, and sometimes ultrasound or X-rays; needle aspiration can help confirm the diagnosis.
  • Treatment options in Grand Rapids include:
    • Observation
    • Short-term splinting
    • Needle aspiration
    • Surgical removal by an orthopedic or hand surgeon
  • Recurrence is possible, especially after aspiration, but surgery reduces the risk.
  • Never attempt to treat a ganglion cyst by hitting it or trying to burst it at home—see a medical professional instead.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, MI area and suspect you have a ganglion cyst, schedule an evaluation with your primary care provider or an orthopedic/hand specialist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for your lifestyle and activity level.