<p>I think the duration and severity of the problem should dictate which course to take. It’s definitely an individual thing. How much does it hurt, if at all? Does it interfere with your ability to perform routine tasks? Is it distressingly large and unsightly? Has needle aspiration failed to take care of the problem? Only you can decide.</p>
<p>I developed one of these when I was 18 in my left hand under my middle finger. It derailed a tendon so it had to be removed when I was 19. I’ve had no ill effects since. That was 35 years ago and about a million practice balls over the years.</p>
<p>My husband’s general surgeon wacked H’s with a text book. That was 25 years ago; no problems since.</p>
<p>Wow, I thought the Book-wacking was just an expression! </p>
<p>H offered to wack it when I developed one of these; the hand surgeon I saw just said to leave it alone. I haven’t had any pain; it’s on the back of my hand and just looks funny (it comes and goes; right now it’s in a smaller phase.)</p>
<p>My Ortho said whacking them with something heavy is no longer advised:rolleyes:</p>