How to reduce synovial cysts

Posted by gfbarch @gfbarch, Jan 28, 2024

With the onset of PMR I developed a number of synovial cysts--many being on my hands. They are quite painful. Any recommendations for reducing their size?

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I’m not sure if synovial cysts are related to PMR.
I think there is an occurrence of synovial inflammation
with RA. Have they been tested with ultrasound or diagnosed by your rheumatologist? Ganglion cysts are more common. If they are fluid filled they may be aspirated.

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There is more and more evidence that PMR is synovitis that mostly is in the hips and shoulders. While PMR is associated with GCA which is a vasculitis there doesn't seem to be that much evidence that PMR alone is a vasculitis.

I believe synovitis in the hands might make the diagnosis of PMR less likely but not impossible. Anything pertaining to PMR seems to be possible because it overlaps with many other health conditions. It is difficult to say what causes what.
https://creakyjoints.org/education/what-is-synovitis/
Synovial cysts are well known in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Someone with RA like @pb50 might know what to suggest.

I have a synovial cyst on my lumbar spine that causes problems for me. Surgery on my lumbar spine is said to be my best option but pain will be the "deciding factor."

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Profile picture for Mike @dadcue

There is more and more evidence that PMR is synovitis that mostly is in the hips and shoulders. While PMR is associated with GCA which is a vasculitis there doesn't seem to be that much evidence that PMR alone is a vasculitis.

I believe synovitis in the hands might make the diagnosis of PMR less likely but not impossible. Anything pertaining to PMR seems to be possible because it overlaps with many other health conditions. It is difficult to say what causes what.
https://creakyjoints.org/education/what-is-synovitis/
Synovial cysts are well known in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Someone with RA like @pb50 might know what to suggest.

I have a synovial cyst on my lumbar spine that causes problems for me. Surgery on my lumbar spine is said to be my best option but pain will be the "deciding factor."

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Thank you for the info

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Profile picture for seniormed @seniormed

I’m not sure if synovial cysts are related to PMR.
I think there is an occurrence of synovial inflammation
with RA. Have they been tested with ultrasound or diagnosed by your rheumatologist? Ganglion cysts are more common. If they are fluid filled they may be aspirated.

Jump to this post

My rheumatologist said they were synovial cyssts. Aspiration was attempted with no success. The are quite painful when I move my hands...sharp, hot poker pain

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You may have to ask them( my rheum is a lady) about a hand surgeon.
I wonder if they can be injected with a steroid.?

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What is the treatment for a synovial cyst between c4 and c5

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Profile picture for gilledrv @gilledrv

What is the treatment for a synovial cyst between c4 and c5

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Welcome @gilledrv, I'm not a doctor but I think the treatment may depend on your symptoms, amount of pain and other health considerations that can only by having a discussion with your doctor or a spine surgeon. Here's some information on spinal cysts from Johns Hopkins - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/spinal-cysts.

It sounds like you may have recently had an MRI that shows a synovial cyst. Has your doctor provided any treatment suggestions or information?

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Profile picture for Mike @dadcue

There is more and more evidence that PMR is synovitis that mostly is in the hips and shoulders. While PMR is associated with GCA which is a vasculitis there doesn't seem to be that much evidence that PMR alone is a vasculitis.

I believe synovitis in the hands might make the diagnosis of PMR less likely but not impossible. Anything pertaining to PMR seems to be possible because it overlaps with many other health conditions. It is difficult to say what causes what.
https://creakyjoints.org/education/what-is-synovitis/
Synovial cysts are well known in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Someone with RA like @pb50 might know what to suggest.

I have a synovial cyst on my lumbar spine that causes problems for me. Surgery on my lumbar spine is said to be my best option but pain will be the "deciding factor."

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Hi, I was just wondering how you are doing with your synovial cyst? My MRI result is showing a synovial cyst and is giving me so much pain .

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Profile picture for fifty9 @fifty9

Hi, I was just wondering how you are doing with your synovial cyst? My MRI result is showing a synovial cyst and is giving me so much pain .

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I'm sorry you are having so much pain.

As far as I know, my synovial cyst was "reabsorbed" and got smaller. It is not causing too much pain anymore. I take a biologic called Actemra to control PMR, I was unable to get Actemra when a rather large synovial cyst formed in the proximity of the facet joints of my lumbar spine. I have severe spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine already so the synovial cyst was causing additional problems, A spine surgeon said surgery was necessary to remove the synovial cyst and to fuse my lumbar spine --- a major surgery.

I didn't have surgery but I did restart Actemra and the pain improved. I had a surgery date planned but when it came time for surgery, I told the surgeon the pain had improved. Another MRI was done which showed the synovial cyst was mostly gone. Surgery for spinal stenosis was still recommended but the surgeon and I mutually agreed that surgery could wait since the synovial cyst wasn't causing too much pain. The synovial cyst shrunk which created more space in my spinal canal. Surgery for spinal stenosis may be a future option if my symptoms return or worsen.

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Thanks for your reply, that is so amazing that your cyst shrunk and got reabsorbed. I’ve read this is a rare occurrence and from what I read online I think there’s just a few cases.

I hope that it won’t come back.

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