What is the lump on the palm of my hand?
Have you noticed lumps on the palm of your hand? You may have a trigger finger or Dupuytren’s Disease. Here we take a look at what these conditions are.
Trigger finger
Trigger finger is inflammation of a finger tendon and its surrounding tissues. It is an injury that can be caused by overuse, repetitive movement or injury to the area. Patients who have carpal tunnel syndrome. rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or fluid retention are also at risk of developing trigger finger.
If you have a trigger finger, you may be able to feel a lump of thick fluid on the palm of your hand or finger. The area where the lump is may be painful and swollen. You may also have clicking or locking when you bend or straighten your finger.
Treatment for trigger finger includes splinting, corticosteroid injection, surgery, or a combination of these treatments. A Hand Therapist can make a hand or finger splint to reduce pain, swelling, clicking and locking. If splinting is ineffective, you will be referred for a cortisone injection or see a Hand Surgeon to consider surgery.
Dupuytren’s Disease
Dupuytren’s disease, also known as Dupuytren’s contracture, is a condition that affects the hand and fingers, causing the tissues in the palm to thicken and form knots or cords. Over time, these cords can contract, leading to fingers being pulled towards the palm and restricting their movement.
The exact cause of Dupuytren’s disease remains unknown. However, several factors have been associated with the disease. These include genetics, gender (more common in men) and age. It is also more common in patients with northern European ‘Viking’ ancestry.
The initial symptoms of Dupuytren’s disease may include the appearance of small nodules or lumps in the palm, which may be tender to the touch. As the disease progresses, these nodules can develop into thick cords that extend into the fingers. The affected fingers may gradually become bent or flexed, making it difficult to straighten them fully. The pinky and ring fingers are most commonly affected, although any finger can be involved.
Treatment for Dupuytren’s Disease depends on how bent your fingers are. Treatment includes a needle injection (needle aponeurotomy), radiotherapy or surgery. After surgery, a Hand Therapist will be involved in your rehabilitation. This includes wound care, splinting, hand massage and exercises.
