Synovial cysts are fluid filled pouches that can develop around your joints. Many cysts are harmless and asymptomatic. However, occasionally they can press against your nerves and become painful. When this occurs, they must be treated properly. One treatment option is physical therapy, which can help reduce your pain level and ease the pressure on your joints.
Synovial Cyst
A synovial cyst is a small fluid-filled sac found over a tendon or a joint that can create a mass under your skin. Most often, they develop on the hips and knees, although they can also appear on the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, ankles, feet and on your spine, usually in the lumbar region. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with an MRI. The cysts may enlarge when pressure in the joint is increased. Because of this, people with arthritis or who have suffered trauma are more susceptible. While synovial cysts are not always painful, sometimes they can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness and weakness.
Treatment
Conservative treatment of synovial cysts includes applying ice and taking over-the-counter pain medication. Another option involves draining the cyst of its fluid with a large needle. The cyst is then injected with a corticosteroid to dissolve it. If your pain is persistent and unresponsive to conservative techniques, you may need more aggressive treatment. If this is the case, or if the cyst is causing nerve damage or other symptoms, it may need to be removed surgically.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one option for treating synovial cysts when they have become painful. Although physical therapy cannot diminish the cyst itself, it can help alleviate some of the discomfort that comes with it. A program that contains stretching and relaxation exercises can help take pressure off your cysts, and relieve the soreness and pain in the muscles and joints. During your physical therapy treatment, you should rest and avoid any activity that increases your pain. You should ice the area with the cyst to reduce pain and swelling.
Prognosis
Although most cysts are harmless, untreated symptomatic cysts tend to worsen with increased activity. Without treatment, cysts can lead to permanent damage and complete loss of function in the affected area. Proper treatment of a cyst usually results in a relief from symptoms, although cysts may return. Generally, surgical removal of the cyst causes complete relief of symptoms. You may need to adjust your lifestyle in order to ease the pressure on your joints and prevent cysts from developing again.
