- Main symptoms
- Types of synovial cyst
- How the treatment is done
- Natural treatment options
- When surgery is necessary
The synovial cyst is a type of lump, similar to a lump, that appears close to a joint, being formed by synovial fluid, and that can be caused by blows on the spot, injuries by repeated effort or joint defect, for example.
Generally, the most frequent sign of the synovial cyst is the appearance of a round, soft lump that appears near the joint. This type of cyst does not normally cause any kind of pain, however, as it grows close to muscles and tendons, some people may experience tingling, loss of strength or tenderness, especially when the cyst is very large.
It is common for cysts to change in size, which may disappear naturally or reappear after treatment.
Main symptoms
The main sign of a synovial cyst is the appearance of a soft lump of up to 3 cm near a joint, however, other symptoms may also appear, such as:
- Joint pain; Constant tingling in the affected limb; Lack of strength in the affected joint; Decreased sensitivity in the affected area.
Usually, the cyst grows slowly over time, due to the accumulation of synovial fluid in the joint, but they can also appear from one moment to the next, especially after strokes.
There may also be very small synovial cysts that are not seen through the skin, but that are very close to nerves or tendons. In this case, pain may be the only symptom, and the cyst ends up being discovered through an ultrasound, for example.
Types of synovial cyst
The most common synovial cysts are:
- Synovial cyst in the foot: its causes include tendonitis and running with inappropriate shoes and its treatment can be done through aspiration to drain the cyst or surgery, depending on the severity; Synovial cyst of the knee, or Baker's cyst: more common on the back of the knee and the most suitable treatment may be aspiration for drainage and physical therapy. Understand better what a Baker's cyst is; Synovial cyst in the hand or wrist: it can appear in the hand, fingers or wrist and the treatment can be compression with a splint for immobilization, liquid aspiration, physiotherapy or surgery.
Synovial cysts can appear at any age and their diagnosis is made by physical examination, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of synovial cyst depends on its size and the symptoms presented. In the absence of symptoms, the use of medication or surgery may not be necessary, as the cysts often end up disappearing on their own.
But if the cyst is large or causes pain or decreased strength, it may be necessary to use anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac, as indicated by a doctor.
The aspiration of the cyst fluid can also be used as a form of treatment and is done through a needle, in the doctor's office with local anesthesia, removing the accumulated fluid in the joint region. After aspiration, a corticosteroid solution can be injected to help heal the cyst.
Natural treatment options
An excellent home treatment to relieve symptoms of the synovial cyst is to apply ice to the affected area, for about 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day.
In addition, acupuncture can also be used to assist in the treatment of synovial cyst, especially to relieve local pain.
When surgery is necessary
Synovial cyst surgery is performed when the use of medication or removal of fluid from the cyst has not caused any improvement in symptoms. Generally, surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on its location, and consists of complete removal of the cyst.
After surgery, the person can usually return home on the same day, and must remain at rest for at least 1 week, to prevent the cyst from recurring. For 2 to 4 months, the doctor may also recommend physiotherapy sessions to assist in complete recovery.
Synovial cyst physiotherapy can use ultrasound techniques, stretching, compression or active or resistance exercises to decrease inflammation and facilitate the cyst's natural drainage. Physiotherapy must be individualized and is very important for the patient's recovery after surgery.
