Lumps and Bumps of the Fingers and Hand

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We put our hands through a lot, so it’s no wonder that lumps and bumps on the fingers, wrist, and hand creep up from time to time. It’s important to get any abnormalities of the hand examined by a doctor. While many lumps and bumps may be harmless, some can be signs of serious medical conditions.

At TriHealth Orthopedic & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we have a team of hand and wrist specialists who offer expert diagnoses and effective treatments for both common and complex hand conditions.

Lumps and Bumps of the Fingers and Hand

Lumps and bumps of the fingers and hand can be indicative of many different injuries and health conditions, ranging from swollen bug bites to cancerous growths. However, many of the most common causes of anatomical abnormalities in the fingers, wrist and hand are caused by underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or tendonitis.

Lumps and bumps of the fingers and hand causes

Some of the most common causes of finger lumps and wrist lumps include:

• Bouchard’s nodes—bony growths near the middle finger joints due to osteoarthritis. Ganglion cyst—a cyst or hard lump forming from joints or tendons.
• Carpal boss—a mass of bone on the back of the hand.
• Dupuytren’s contracture—a lump in the palm of the hand formed by toughened tissue.
• Heberden’s nodes—bony growths at the fingertip joint due to osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid nodules—hard lumps that form secondary to rheumatoid arthritis

Lumps and bumps of the fingers and hand symptoms

Wrist lumps and finger lumps can be painless or extremely debilitating. Symptoms will depend on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause, but may include:

• Inflammation
• Misshapen or crooked joints
• Pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Stiffness
• Tingling

Lumps and bumps of the fingers and hand treatment

Treatment for lumps and bumps of the fingers and hand will depend entirely on the underlying cause of the abnormalities. Some lumps and bumps, such as ganglion cysts or Dupuytren’s nodules, may even go away on their own. If lumps are painful or are reducing your ability to perform activities, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:

• Rest
• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery

Lumps and bumps of the fingers and hand risk factors

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing finger and wrist conditions that can lead to lumps and bumps, including:

• Age—people over the age of 50 are more prone to degenerative hand conditions.
• Rheumatoid arthritis—joint inflammation can lead to cysts and nodules.
• Osteoarthritis—worn cartilage can lead to bone spurs or joint cysts.
• Past injuries—past fractures or dislocations can cause joint stress or scar tissue and lead to anatomical abnormalities.

Lumps and bumps of the fingers and hand prevention

In most cases, lumps and bumps of the fingers, wrist and hand are impossible to prevent. However, maintaining good overall health can lead to healthier joints and lower your risk of degeneration or injury.

Make an appointment

If you notice a lump or bump on your fingers, hand or wrist, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Even if the condition isn’t painful, an experienced hand specialist can evaluate your condition and recommend a treatment plan. Learn more or make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist: Call TriHealth at 513 246 2300 or our orthopedic partner, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, at 513 961 HAND or 513 961 4263.