Is it OK to hit a ganglion cyst with a book?

Do not smash a ganglion with a book or other heavy object. You may break a bone or otherwise injure your wrist by trying this folk remedy, and the ganglion may return anyway. Do not try to drain the fluid by poking the ganglion with a pin or any other sharp object. You could cause an infection.

Why is a ganglion cyst called a Bible bump?

Note: You might have heard a ganglion cyst called a “Bible cyst” or “Bible bump.” That’s because a common home remedy in the past was hitting the cyst with a Bible or other thick book to try to make the cyst rupture or pop.

How do you get rid of a Bible bump?

The fluid can be removed with a needle or the whole ganglion including its shell removed surgically. There is only a 13% success rate after aspiration with a needle just once, but it can be repeated, and sometimes a steroid injection is given at the same time to improve the chances of success.

What is a Bible bump on hand?

Ganglion cysts, also known as bible cysts, most commonly show up on the back of the hand at the wrist joint but they can also develop on the palm side of the wrist. They can also show up in other areas, but these are less common: The base of the fingers on the palm, where they appear as small pea-sized bumps.

How do you get rid of a ganglion cyst in a book?

Don’t strike your cyst with a heavy object. An old folk remedy for a ganglion cyst included thumping the cyst with a heavy object such as a book. Not only can this treatment injure the areas near the cyst, but also it can lead to infection and cyst recurrence.

Can I pop a ganglion cyst myself?

An old home remedy for a ganglion cyst consisted of “thumping” the cyst with a heavy object. This isn’t a good solution because the force of the blow can damage surrounding structures in your hand or foot. Also don’t try to “pop” the cyst yourself by puncturing it with a needle.

Do Bible cysts hurt?

The size of a cyst can fluctuate, often getting larger when you use that joint for repetitive motions. Pain. Ganglion cysts usually are painless. But if a cyst presses on a nerve — even if the cyst is too small to form a noticeable lump — it can cause pain, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness.

What happens if a ganglion cyst bursts internally?

Yes, ganglion cysts can burst, especially if the area gets struck with force. If the cyst ruptures, the fluid inside spreads under the skin, which you might be able to feel. A rupture isn’t dangerous, but it can make the area tender, swollen and sore for a few days. If it’s near a nerve, it may inflame it.

Can I pop my own ganglion cyst?

What is a book cyst?

Ganglion cysts are lumps that most commonly develop in the wrist. They’re typically round or oval and are filled with a jelly-like fluid. Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that most commonly develop along the tendons or joints of your wrists or hands. They also may occur in the ankles and feet.

What happens if a ganglion cyst is left untreated?

If left untreated, complications can occur. The most common complication is infection. If the cyst fills with bacteria, it will become an abscess that could burst inside the body and lead to blood poisoning.

Can I pop my ganglion cyst with a needle?

Don’t try to pop the cyst yourself by puncturing it with a needle or cutting into it with a sharp tool. Not only is this unlikely to be effective, but can lead to infection or a risk of recurrence.