Hand Doctors Explain Causes of Bumps on the Hands or Wrists
(Part 1)
Sudden or unexplained bumps on the hand or wrist can cause you to worry. But the good news is that these are typically fairly common and are almost always benign (non-cancerous) as well as easily treated by a hand doctor.
Sudden or unexplained bumps on the hand or wrist can cause you to worry. But the good news is that these are typically fairly common and are almost always benign (non-cancerous) as well as easily treated by a hand doctor.
Dr. Rehman is a board certified hand doctor who has diagnosed and treated hundreds of patients with “lumps and bumps” on their hands and wrists in the Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston and Waterford MI area.
In this two part article Doctor Rehman discusses some of the causes of bumps on the hands or wrists.
#1. Bumps on the Hands or Wrist: Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are the most common cause of a lump on the hand or wrist that hand doctors see. They are not cancerous and, in most cases they are quite harmless. Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled cysts that occur in various locations, but most frequently develop on the back of the wrist.
One way to identify a ganglion cysts is they can quickly appear, disappear, and change size. However, sometimes the cysts remain, and are unsightly or cause impaired function or pain in the hand or wrists. Ganglion cysts often don’t require treatment if they’re small and asymptomatic.
Treatment for ganglion cysts is often non-invasive, and may involve the use of wrist splints to immobilize the hand, thus allowing the overworked area to rest. If the cyst is quite bothersome or painful, an aspiration (draining) procedure may be performed. In this procedure, the affected area is numbed and a needle is inserted into the fluid-filled cyst, withdrawing the fluid.
For painful or unsightly ganglions, Dr. Rehman may first attempt aspiration, a procedure where the cyst is drained using a needle. This can provide immediate relief, though recurrence is common. In rare cases, a surgical procedure may be required. In this case a board certified hand doctor like Dr. Rehman can perform a procedure to remove the ganglion and its root.
Ganglion cysts surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, and the patient can go home the same day. This outpatient procedure involves removing the cyst along with a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath from which it originates, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Post-operative care includes wound management, physical therapy, and gentle exercises to maintain mobility, and gradual return to activities. Dr. Rehman emphasizes that even after successful treatment, there’s always a small chance of cyst recurrence, and she provides ongoing monitoring and support.
#2. Bumps on the Hands or Wrist: Inclusion Cysts
Inclusion cysts (epidermoid cysts) are another cause of bumps on the hand. These are also benign (non-cancerous) and are caused by an injury to a hand or finger. Inclusion Cysts often develop years after the injury, so you may not relate the bump to the injury from long ago.
Inclusion cysts are caused when a deep wound, such as a cut, pushes surface cells into the deep layers of the hand or finger. These cells are then considered “foreign” by the body, and the immune system encapsulates them in a “lump” that gradually expands size over time.
A hand doctor can identify an inclusion cyst (epidermoid cyst). However, if it is not bothering you it may not need to be treated. Inclusion cysts, also known as epidermoid cysts, are typically benign (non-cancerous) and often don’t require treatment unless they become painful, infected, or cosmetically bothersome. For symptomatic inclusion cysts, Dr. Rehman may first attempt conservative treatments such as warm compresses and topical treatments to manage discomfort. If the cyst becomes infected, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. In other cases where it is troublesome, Triamcinolone (a steroid) can be injected by your hand doctor.
In more severe cases, epidermoid cysts may be removed by a hand surgeon using a simple excision or incision with removal of the cyst and cyst wall. In cases where the cyst is persistently problematic or continues to grow, surgical excision is usually the definitive treatment. The procedure involves carefully removing the entire cyst wall to prevent recurrence. It’s typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Post-operative care includes wound management and monitoring for proper healing. Dr. Rehman emphasizes the importance of complete excision, as partial removal can lead to cyst recurrence. She also educates patients on identifying signs of potential recurrence or the development of new cysts.
#3. Bumps on the Hands or Wrist: Other Cysts
In addition to ganglion and inclusion cysts, there are a variety of less common cysts types that can cause a lump or bump on the wrist. Dr. Uzma Rehman, is a board-certified hand specialist whois highly skilled in identifying and treating a variety of less common cyst types that can appear as bumps on the wrist.
These can include synovial cysts, which are associated with joint inflammation; mucous cysts, often found near the end joints of fingers; and retinacular cysts, which occur along tendon sheaths. Each of these cyst types presents unique challenges and requires a tailored treatment approach. Dr. Rehman’s extensive experience allows her to accurately diagnose these conditions through careful examination and, when necessary, advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI.
Treatment options may range from conservative measures like activity modification and bracing to more interventional approaches such as aspiration or corticosteroid injections. The treatment approach for other types of cysts on the wrist, such as synovial cysts or mucous cysts, depends on their size, location, and associated symptoms. Dr. Rehman typically starts with conservative measures, including activity modification and the use of splints or braces to reduce irritation. For symptomatic cysts, aspiration may be attempted, often combined with corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation. If conservative treatments fail or if the cyst is causing significant discomfort or functional impairment, surgical excision may be recommended.
In cases where cysts are persistent or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Rehman may recommend surgical excision, carefully tailoring the procedure to the specific cyst type and location. The procedure involves carefully removing the cyst while preserving surrounding structures. In some cases, particularly with mucous cysts associated with osteoarthritis, additional procedures such as osteophyte removal or joint fusion might be necessary. Post-operative care includes wound management, pain control, and a tailored rehabilitation program to restore hand function.
Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Rehman prioritizes preserving hand function and minimizing recurrence risk. Her comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives an individualized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and concerns, whether it’s pain relief, improved mobility, or cosmetic improvement.
CLICK HERE for Part 2 to See More Causes of Bumps on the Hand or Wrist
Top Clarkston MI Area Wrist and Hand Doctor
If you are experiencing a lump or bump on your hand or wrist, there are a variety of causes. While most causes are very common and easily treated, a rare few can be more serious. For this reason it is important to be seen by a board certified hand surgeon like Doctor Rehman. She and her team of orthopedic experts will accurately diagnose your condition, and put together the best treatment plan to help you attain a full recovery.
As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like bumps or lumps on the hand or wrist.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
