Treatment for Lumps and Bumps on Fingers and Hands
Dallas, Frisco, Prosper, and Wylie, TX
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Painful Lumps and Bumps on the Fingers and Hands
Humans put their fingers and hands through a lot, so it’s no wonder that the occasional lump and bump develops. Some lumps and bumps can indicate serious conditions, meanwhile some are not worthy of worries. If you’ve been searching for the “best hand surgeon near me,” we’re happy to say you found us. If you notice new bumps on fingers or your hand that’s causing pain, call SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy at 469-200-2832 and we’ll take care of it for you.
What Causes Lumps and Bumps on Finger and Hand?
There are a plethora of reasons why fingers and hands may have the occasional lump and bump. Some of the most common causes of lumps and bumps include the following.
Bouchard’s Nodes
Bouchard’s nodes are bony nodules generally caused by osteoarthritis. The nodules usually grow around the middle joints of your fingers.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous, fluid-filled lumps that usually develop on the tendons or joints in your hands, fingers, or wrists. We offer ganglion cyst treatment in Dallas.
Carpal Boss
Carpal boss is a bone mass on the back of the hand where the finger bones meet the arm bones.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is a thick, tight area of tissue on the palm at the base of the fingers. Over time, the thick patch of skin can cause the fingers to curl towards the palm.
Heberden’s Nodes
Heberden’s nodes are bony lumps on the top finger joint. These lumps are generally a symptom of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Nodules
Rheumatoid nodules are firm lumps that grow under the skin. These nodules are generally a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause painful lumps or bumps anywhere on the body. Gout is basically when too much uric acid gathers around the joints.
Warts
Warts on the hands and fingers are generally common and don’t indicate a serious condition. They are also not painful, unlike other types of lumps and bumps linked to underlying conditions.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrosis causes fluid-filled blisters to grow on the hands, fingers, and feet. Doctors are unsure what causes this condition, but it tends to happen in those with a skin condition called eczema. This condition is also called dyshidrotic eczema. It is one of the many eczema types. For a dyshidrotic eczema overview and advice on how to prevent dyshidrotic eczema, speak with an orthopedic professional.
Giant-Cell Tumors
Giant-cell tumors are rare, non-cancerous tumors that generally grow near joints. Most often, these tumors grow in the long bones of the arms and legs. The cause of giant-cell tumors is generally unknown.
Mucous Cysts
Mucous cysts are similar to ganglion cysts because they grow on the top knuckle of the finger. Basically, mucous cysts are exactly what they sound like: lumps filled with fluid. Mucous cysts are generally a symptom of arthritis. In extreme cases, we can provide cartilage transplants for arthritis patients.
Epidermal Inclusion Cysts
Epidermal inclusion cysts are generally related to previous finger cuts or other hand injuries. These types of cysts form when the outermost layer of the skin lodges deeper than it should and forms lumps under the skin. Additionally, epidermal inclusion cysts can potentially become infected.
Fibromas
Fibromas are benign tumors made of fibrous tissue. Fibromas can grow as a result of injury or irritation.
Neuroma
Neuroma is also commonly referred to as a “pinched nerve.” A neuroma is basically a nerve tumor that causes burning or tingling pain and is often found between the third and fourth toes. However, neuromas can develop in the fingers or hands as well.
Lipomas
Lipomas are fatty lumps that are often found between the skin and underlying muscles. Doctors are generally unsure of the direct cause of lipomas, however, they’re usually harmless.
Broken Bones
Broken bones in your fingers or hands can undoubtedly cause severe pain, random lumps, and general misshapenness.
Hematomas
Hematomas are basically bad bruises that can cause bumps or lumps anywhere. Blood pools under the skin’s surface as a result of a hematoma. Because of the pooled blood, there is generally a lumpy appearance.
Herpetic Whitlow
Herpetic whitlow is a type of herpes that causes painful blisters to form on the fingers or hands. You can only develop herpetic whitlow if you undoubtedly come into contact with type one or type two of the herpes simplex virus.
Skin Infection
A skin infection, such as a bacterial infection or viral infection, can also lead to bumps on fingers and hands. In many cases of skin infections,
Palmar Dermatitis
Also called hand eczema, is one of the more common types of eczema. It affects around 10% of the United States population. Risk factors include genetics, contact allergens, and irritating substances. Workers who frequently come into contact with chemicals and irritants are often affected by this condition.
Contact Dermatitis
This condition results from direct contact with certain substances or irritants that may cause an allergic reaction. It causes an itchy rash that can be very uncomfortable.
Palmoplantar Eczema
This is a chronic skin condition that causes skin inflammation, itchiness, and dryness all over the body, including the hands. It is generally triggered by an irritation or allergy.
Pompholyx
Pompholyx is another term for dyshidrotic eczema. It generally affects the hands and feet, causing itchy blisters to develop along the sides of the fingers, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. If your healthcare provider recommends potassium permanganate soaks to treat the issue, we recommend wearing protective gloves while preparing the soak.
Verruca
Verrucas are similar to warts, but they are more likely to be painful. Some patients compare the sensation to standing on something sharp. They commonly occur on the feet, but they can also affect the hands. Most verrucas go away on their own, but using topical treatments on the affected area can help speed up the process.
Allergies
Allergies to certain metals and other allergens, as well as extreme temperatures, stress, and infections, can result in lumps and bumps on hands and fingers.
What Are the Risk Factors for Lumps and Bumps on Finger and Hand?
The lumps and bumps caused by underlying conditions have specific risk factors.
- Age: people who are 50 years and older are more certainly prone to types to arthritis that affect the hands.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: if you have a history of rheumatoid arthritis, you are certainly more likely to develop bumps on your fingers and hands because of the chronic joint inflammation.
- Osteoarthritis: people who struggle with osteoarthritis will also have a higher risk of bumps on the fingers and hands because of the worn cartilage associated with the condition.
- Past injuries: if you have broken a bone in the past, your chances of developing lumps and bumps are undoubtedly higher due to joint stress and scar tissue.
Symptoms of Lumps and Bumps on Finger and Hand
Lumps and bumps on the fingers and hands can range from mild to severe pain and can accompany other symptoms as well. Generally, symptoms depend on the underlying cause of the lump and can include:
- Inflammation
- Misshapen or crooked joints
- Pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Stiffness
- Tingling
- Scaly, thick skin
Symptoms that Indicate a Serious Condition
If you have any of the symptoms listed below in relation to a bump on finger or hand, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Bone protruding through the skin
- Extreme deformity of the finger joints
- Severe swelling
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers
Treatments for Lumps and Bumps on Finger and Hand
Treatment for bump on finger and hand entirely depends on the cause. For example, a hard lump caused by osteoarthritis will need entirely different treatment compared to a common wart. Some lumps and bumps on fingers may never go away, such as ganglion cysts or Dupuytren’s nodules. Some conditions may fade if your doctor decides to prescribe medications for a few weeks.
Not every skin condition will require treatment, but those that do often have multiple treatment options. Speak with your doctor to learn more about the potential treatments for your specific condition.
If your type of lumps are causing significant pain and are preventing you from accomplishing daily tasks, your doctor may recommend these treatments:
- Rest
- Medication to reduce inflammation or address other symptoms
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Medicated creams or gels
- Surgery
How Can I Prevent Lumps and Bumps on the Finger and Hand?
There is not one sole cause of bumps on the fingers and hands, and occasionally, doctors don’t fully understand why they exist. Because bumps on the hands or fingers are most commonly caused by degenerative joint and bone conditions, it’s important to stay healthy and manage stress.
Understanding your family history can also help manage certain conditions. Your doctor will go over your family and medical history carefully to determine potential causes of your condition. From there, they will develop a personalized treatment plan to ease symptoms and get you back to your healthy, active lifestyle.
Listed below are a few ways to maintain healthy joints and bones.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying excess weight causes extra strain on your knees, ankles, hips, and back. In fact, each extra pound of weight the human body carries equals four pounds of additional pressure on the joints according to the Arthritis Foundation. For this reason, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight to prevent degenerative joint diseases that can cause the occasional bump on finger.
- Exercise regularly: Another crucial part of maintaining healthy joints and bones is to keep moving. After a full eight hours of working at the office, it’s important to exercise for at least 30 minutes to reduce joint stiffness and to maintain a healthy weight. This could mean walking, biking, swimming, running, dancing, lifting weights, or doing yoga. Any type of movement is good movement.
- Eat a healthy diet: It’s important to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Not only will a healthy diet support bone and joint health, it will help you maintain a healthy weight too. Foods rich in vitamin D, calcium, and omega 3 can reduce joint inflammation, maintain strong bones, and build muscle. Foods containing these three nutrients include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, and fish.
Call SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy Today
A sudden bump on finger or the hand can be alarming and can be linked to a number of causes or conditions. If you have lumps and bumps that are causing extreme deformities or pain, a Dallas physical therapist can certainly provide relief. Call us today at 469-200-2832 to begin your pain-free life.