A ganglion cyst starts when the fluid leaks out of a joint or tendon tunnel and forms a swelling beneath the skin. While the exact cause of ganglion cysts is not fully understood, medical experts believe that they are caused by the following:
Joint or tendon irritation: Ganglion cysts often develop near joints or tendons that have been damaged or irritated, such as from repetitive movements, trauma, or wear and tear.
Synovial fluid leakage: Ganglion cysts can form when synovial fluid, which is the lubricating fluid that surrounds joints and tendons, leaks out and forms a sac.
Genetic predisposition: Some people may be more likely to develop ganglion cysts due to genetic factors.
Gender and age: Women are more likely to develop ganglion cysts than men, and they are more common in people between the ages of 15 and 40.
Overuse or misuse of joints: Ganglion cysts can also develop due to overuse or misuse of joints, such as from repetitive strain or overexertion during sports or other physical activities.
Osteoarthritis: People who have wear-and-tear arthritis in the finger joints closest to the fingernails are at higher risk of developing ganglion cysts near those joints.
Overall, the exact cause of ganglion cysts is still not fully understood, and more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to their development.