What Is This Bump on My Wrist?

Discovering an unexpected bump or lump on your wrist can be concerning. Rightly so, you want to know what the bump is and, most importantly, what you can do about it. Because there are several reasons why your wrist might develop a bump, it’s important to know what you’re facing. 

Dr. Jonathan Liu and Dr. Huey Yuan Tien, our board-certified hand surgeons here at  Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services, are experts at diagnosing and treating a variety of wrist pain from arthritis to carpal tunnel syndrome here in Porterville, Reedley, and Visalia, California. 

Here are some common causes of wrist bumps, their characteristics, and when it might be advisable to seek medical attention. 

Types of wrist bumps

Wrist bumps can come in many sizes and shapes. Some appear quickly, while others may appear slowly over time. Here are some common bumps that appear on wrists:

Cysts

These are small, fluid-filled sacs that can develop under the skin. Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps filled with a jelly-like fluid and are the most common type of cysts found on the wrists. These cysts can be painful (especially if they press on a nerve) and may change in size over time.

Warts

Warts stem from the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear as raised, rough growths on the skin. They may appear as a black dot on your hand or wrist. Warts and other growths can be the result of viral or bacterial infections.

Bone spurs

Over time, your wrist can develop bone spurs, bony growths that feel like hard bumps. Joint damage from osteoarthritis is the most common cause of bone spurs.

Injuries

A bump may also result from a previous injury, such as:

• A bruise, swelling, or hematoma that hasn’t fully healed
• Tendonitis (note: this might not cause a big bump, but it can lead to swelling)
• A fracture, especially if you have a Colles fracture 

Overuse injuries can also lead to a carpal boss, a painful bony bump on your wrist.

What to do about that bump on your wrist 

While some wrist bumps (such as a small common wart) may resolve on their own or with at-home care, other wrist bumps may require medical evaluation and treatment. 

We diagnose wrist bumps with an exam, a review of your symptoms, and sometimes diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays. Once the source of your bump is confirmed, you can get started on the right treatment path, whether medication for arthritis or surgery to repair a broken bone.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts if:

• Your bump is painful, especially if the pain is severe or persistent
• Your lump is growing in size or changing in appearance
• Other symptoms, such as wrist weakness, accompany the bump 
• You suspect that you have an infection, such as an abscess
• Your bump is the result of a sports injury or accident 

A bump on your wrist can have various causes, some of which are harmless, while others may require medical attention, such as surgery, bracing, or immobilization. Whether you need lifestyle guidance, injections, medication, or surgery, we’re on a mission to help improve your wrist health all under one roof. 

Questions about wrist bumps and lumps? Call the location of your choice or book your appointment online today.