Just as the location of the cyst varies, so do the symptoms. Swelling is very common in the wrist, and there is often pain and discomfort around bone structures. Ganglions may limit motion in adjacent joints, be unpleasant looking and, on rare occasions, cause changes to the bone. Nevins said ganglion cysts can be frustrating to treat, because they can form in athletes as well as non-athletes. I've worked with divers at IU and at the 1991 Pan American Games, and I know cysts can be a problem for them as well.
Divers are very active in the weight room, tumbling and on the boards.
Upper extremity ganglion cysts can be quite common for them because of the pressure placed on their joints. Just as the location and symptoms of ganglions differ, the methods of treatment also fluctuate. There is an old wise tale from the 1800s that teachers and preachers would cure ganglions by squashing them with the Bible, said Nevins. Initially, I used to drain visible cysts on the wrist, but they can return with that form of treatment. Surgical excision is the only way I've ever removed a cyst, but even then they can return if the joint continues to be overused.