Ganglions - Causes The exact cause as to why ganglions occur is still not known. The origin and how it occurs can be explained as- A special viscous liquid is sealed in a small compartment and lubricates the joints and tendons. Sometimes, for no known reason or due to arthritis or an injury, the compartment might leak this liquid. The liquid is viscous and thick, like honey, and the leaking hole is usually too small. Once it leaks it doesn't go back on its own. This works almost like a one-way valve, filling up like a little balloon next to the area of the leak. When the hands are used for normal activities, the joints squeeze and create a tremendous pressure in the lubricating compartment, which can cause enough pressure in the leaking cyst and can feel as hard as a bone. This lubricating liquid has special proteins, which makes it thick, and also makes it hard for the body to absorb it when it leaks out. References: Bailey & Love's Short Practise Of Surgery- 21st ELBS Edition Revised By Charles V. Mann & R.C.G.Russe Manipal Manual Of Surgery-Millennium, CBS, Edition K.Rajgopal Shenoy Published on Feb 06, 2016Last Updated on Feb 06, 2016
