Care for Other Hand and Wrist Conditions

If you have painful cysts on your hands or hard, thick skin on the palms of your hands, our hand surgeons can help

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are noncancerous (benign) lumps that sometimes grow in the hand or wrist. They are usually on the top or palm side of the wrist, and on the end joint or base of a finger. They are common and can be painful, especially when they first appear or with constant or strenuous use of the hand. They often change in size and may disappear completely.

To treat the cysts, our hand surgeons may simply watch for any changes. But if these cysts are painful, limit your activity or bother you because of their appearance, other treatment may be recommended. Treatments include removing fluid from the cyst, wearing a splint or surgery to remove the source of the cyst.

Cancerous tumors on the hand are rare but usually are treated effectively through surgery.

Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is an abnormal thickening of the tissue just beneath the skin of the palm. It often starts with firm lumps in the palm. In some people, firm "cords" will develop beneath the skin, stretching from the palm into the fingers. Gradually, these cords may cause the fingers to bend into the palm. Occasionally, the disease will cause thickening on top of the finger knuckles.

If you have more advanced contractures, it may require surgery in order to improve function. Our hand surgeons offer various surgical techniques to correct finger position and will discuss the method most appropriate for your condition based upon the stage of the disease and the joints involved. The goal of surgery is to improve finger position and hand function. Despite surgery, the disease process may recur, and the fingers may begin to bend into the palm once again.

Congenital abnormalities

Some babies are born with congenital abnormalities of the hands and wrists. In the hand, these may include having more than or fewer than five fingers, fingers that won't bend, fingers that are too short, crooked, or webbed, and constriction bands on the fingers and/or hand. In the arm, they may include an arm that is bowed, bones and joints that have not formed normally, and a part of or whole arm that has not formed at all.

For parents, these abnormalities may be difficult to cope with. We understand. Our hand surgeons will work with you and pediatric specialists to determine if surgery or other treatment can help. They also will help connect you with support groups and other resources.

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