What's This Bump on My Wrist?

Bumps and growths commonly appear on the back of the wrist. These growths are usually minor problems, often with few or no symptoms, but it’s wise to have any unusual bumps or lumps examined medically.

The back of your wrist is common for bumps and growths to appear. These growths are usually minor problems, often with few or no symptoms.

However, it’s important to know what your growth is, even if it’s painless. Visit the physicians at 360 Orthopedics for an exam, diagnosis, and, if needed, treatment.

Let’s examine several common causes of bumps on the wrist, their symptoms, and potential treatments. Use this as the foundation of the conversation with our orthopedic specialists.

Carpal boss (bone spur)

A carpal boss is a bony growth that develops where the index and middle fingers meet the wrist bones. It forms a firm bump on the back of the hand, on the finger side of the point where the wrist flexes.

A carpal boss usually forms on the dominant hand, though it’s possible to have one on the nondominant hand or both together. The bumps are firm, motionless, and typically painless, but the growth can affect the tendons that pass over them.

Why carpal bosses form isn’t fully understood, but these may be due to genetic reasons, osteoarthritis, injuries including fractures, or repetitive strain injuries.

Ganglion cyst

Often mistaken for a carpal boss, ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that frequently form in a similar area of the hand. These noncancerous growths may subside on their own over months or years.

The size of ganglion cysts varies widely, and they can change size, usually due to repeated motions. They may be painless or, if they press on surrounding nerve tissue, you could develop symptoms like:

Pain
Numbness and tingling
Weakness in your hand
Problems with wrist motion

You may only need treatment for a ganglion cyst if it causes symptoms or grows very large.

Epidermoid cyst

Small lumps of keratin, epidermoid cysts can form under the skin around the wrist and other places on your body. Epidermoid cysts usually don’t require treatment unless they become inflamed or rupture.

Rheumatoid nodules

Rheumatoid nodules are firm, round lumps that move when pressed. They may be tender to touch and accompany other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

The nodules themselves may not need treatment, unless:

There is nerve involvement
A nodule becomes infected or ulcerous
A nodule affects the movement of your hand

Rheumatoid nodules usually respond well to corticosteroid injections to reduce their size.

That bump on your wrist probably isn’t a serious medical problem. Contact 360 Orthopedics to arrange an exam and diagnosis. Call our nearest location directly to book your consultation now.