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Medical Author:

Elisa E. Aumont, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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After you have been diagnosed with a ganglion cyst and have chosen to have treatment, follow-up will be different based on what you have chosen to do.

• After simple aspiration, your doctor may ask you to start moving the joint soon after the procedure.
• Most likely after surgery, your joint will be splinted for up to seven to 10 days. A splint is a hard wrap that will keep you from moving your joint.
• Recent studies show that splinting for a long period of time doesn't really help, and use of the joint soon after treatment is being encouraged.
• Your doctor may ask you to return for a checkup after your surgery and will decide if physical or occupational therapy is needed. Follow-up care will be based on your personal needs.

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