High leg (ganglion) Symptoms, causes and treatment

Ganglia: dangerous bumps under the skin

A so-called overbone is a benign tumor formation that affects a relatively large number of people. The medically referred to as "ganglia" tumors are often in the range of the wrist and back of the hand, but can also arise in other parts of the body. Overlap often causes no discomfort, but some suffer from massive pain and restricted mobility. To remove the bump under the skin, various methods can be considered. Surgery is only necessary in rare cases.

contents

• Ganglia: dangerous bumps under the skin
• Definition: What is a supra leg?
• Symptoms of overbone
• Causes of ganglia
• treatment options
• Surgery for high leg
• Prevent overbone by relaxing and relieving

Definition: What is a supra leg?

A medulla (medically: ganglion) is a benign, nodular change under the skin, which occurs relatively frequently. The small bump can be so hard that it gives the impression that it is a bony structure. However, this is not the case, instead a viscous fluid-filled chamber (cyst) is formed, which is connected to adjacent joints, cartilage or tendon sheaths.

An overbone is a cyst that occurs in the area of ​​an articular capsule or tendon sheath. (Image: naiyanab / fotolia.com)

The ganglion in the area of ​​an articular capsule or tendon sheath is usually well visible or palpable. In most cases, the small bumps in the area of ​​the wrist or on the fingers, in principle, over-legs but also on all other joints, such as at the foot or knee arise. They can occur both individually as well as in larger numbers at different points of the body at the same time become recognizable.

Ganglia are among the benign soft tissue tumors - the term "tumor" describes only the swelling and therefore should not be misunderstood. Because an over-leg is harmless and has nothing to do with a malignant cancer. The synovial fluid (mycine), with which the cyst is filled, consists mainly of hyaluronic acid.

The change under the skin can occur at any age, but it is particularly common in younger people between 20 and 30 years to observe. Similarly, women are at an increased risk, as between the ages of 20 and 40, they are about three times more likely to have an overbone than men. But not only adults are affected - also in children, the benign tumors can develop.

Symptoms of overbone

Typically, a ganglion appears in the form of an egg-shaped oval swelling or a plump, elastic knot under the skin, which can become pea-sized to cherry-sized. Hardening usually occurs on the wrist or fingers, more rarely on the knee, instep, shoulder or elbow.

Mostly over-legs cause no complaints. In some cases, they only cause pain in certain movements. There may also be persistent, dull pain and / or discomfort in the affected area. In some cases, the small bumps are sensitive to pressure and there are restrictions on movement. If the ganglion is very large, it can get on your nerves and cause a tingling sensation in the limbs and numbness.

A ganglion on the wrist can cause severe pain and restricted mobility. (Image: t.paisit / fotolia.com)

If an over-leg, for example, on the wrist, neither to recognize nor to feel, it can show in the form of joint pain. These radiate frequently and can therefore be perceived as arm and / or elbow pain.

Causes of ganglia

What creates an overbone is not yet fully understood. It is believed that a weakness in the area of ​​the capsule or tendon sheath in conjunction with an existing pressure increase in the joint (for example, by increased production of synovial fluid) is the reason. Such a weak spot can arise, for example, from a general weakening of the connective tissue. Likewise, congenital disorders or overstretching due to previous injury or sprains can lead to changes in the capsular ligament apparatus. Another possible trigger may be chronic irritation (e.g., osteoarthritis), which results in increased formation of synovial fluid.

As a result of the increased fluid, the soft inner joint skin evolves outwards and a cyst develops. The so-called ganglion-style forms the connection between the cyst and the joint. Over this, the synovial fluid continues to flow and eventually thickened jelly-like in the over-leg.

The size of this ultimately depends on how much synovial fluid enters the cavity. Partial over-legs remain so small that they are not recognizable from the outside ("occult" ganglia), in other cases they become several centimeters large.

Most of the cysts are on the back (extension side) of the wrist, other frequently affected areas are the flexor side of the wrist (in the course of the artery) and the flexor side of the finger basal lines. It is also possible that the synovial membranes invaginate and a cyst develops between the carpal bones ("intraosseous ganglion").

treatment options

An overbone often does not cause any discomfort and therefore usually represents only a minor "blemish" that does not require medical treatment. Often waiting and nothing is the best therapy here, because many over-legs are formed within a few months by itself.

In other cases, however, it comes, for example, by a "bump" on the hand to pain and movement restrictions. In this case, a doctor should be consulted promptly to clarify the question "What can help with an over-leg on the wrist?".

Wearing a wrist bandage may be helpful if you have discomfort due to the overbone. (Photo: sunnychicka / fotolia.com)

In the case of complaints, an attempt is initially made to bring about an improvement by avoiding stressful activities or overloading and wearing a wrist bandage. If desired, anti-inflammatory analgesics, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, may be used in parallel. Diclofenac and ibuprofen are used. In many cases, the ganglion disappears by these measures by itself again or at least smaller.

Partial manual crushing of the overhang leads to success. The ganglion can either be massaged with light pressure to push the fluid back into the joint, or it can be ruptured by strong pressure on a site. Danger: The crushing of the ganglion should definitely be done by a doctor. Self-treatment is essential to avoid injury or inflammation! This also applies to outdated techniques such as "hitting" with a heavy object or book.

Another option for treatment is the so-called puncture. In this procedure, the doctor stabs the ganglion with a hollow needle so that the fluid contained can drain off or be sucked out. In about one third of the cases, however, it comes to a relapse, but sometimes can be achieved by the injection of cortisone preparations a permanent cure. If this brings no improvement, an operation is usually carried out.

Surgery for high leg

If the ganglion does not cause discomfort, surgery is usually not necessary as it is a benign tumor. However, if it becomes very large or bothers the person concerned for cosmetic reasons, surgical removal may be considered. From a medical point of view, an OP is indicated if the symptoms persist and / or are very pronounced or if a puncture has failed.

The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or regional anesthesia of the arm (partial anesthesia). A small incision is used to remove the ganglion with the style, and slightly weave the joint capsule at the base of this joint to provide reinforcement in that area.

Wrist tendons on the extensor side may alternatively be removed as part of an arthroscopic surgery (joint mirroring). In this case, the stem of the ganglion and a part of the joint wall is removed, causing the liquid to drain and the overbone can disappear.

To strengthen the joints, regular stretching and loosening exercises should be performed. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com)

Prevent overbone by relaxing and relieving

Ganglia often reappear after some time, despite successful initial treatment - especially if the joint can not be spared, for example due to the occupational activity. Accordingly, it is important for the prevention of overbirths to avoid overloading or stress on the joints as much as possible.

Especially in the case of repetitive, one-sided movements every day, it is important to pay attention to relief and compensation. This especially affects people who are constantly typing and clicking on PCs on the PC, craftsmen and athletes. It often helps to make sure that the usual manipulations are changed regularly. Regular relaxation and loosening exercises for the muscles and joints have a beneficial effect and provide mobility, as well as it is important to get up and stretch and stretch extensively. (No)