Dr. Nguyen Van Tu, a specialist in internal medicine and musculoskeletal disorders at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, states that lumps on finger joints often develop gradually from conditions like uric acid crystal accumulation, cartilage damage, or fluid trapped within the joint. They vary in size, appearing soft or firm, with clear boundaries, and are slightly movable under the skin. While most are benign, some can signal underlying musculoskeletal conditions that require timely monitoring and treatment.

Dr. Tu highlights several common conditions that can cause lumps on the hand joints:

Ganglion cysts are lumps filled with jelly-like fluid, commonly found on finger joints, wrists, hands, knees, and feet. While the exact cause remains unknown, they are linked to repetitive micro-trauma, leading to myxoid degeneration of connective tissue in the joint region. Most ganglion cysts are harmless and asymptomatic, primarily posing a cosmetic concern. However, some individuals may experience pain, numbness, or joint weakness.

Dr. Tu advises patients on necessary tests to identify the cause of finger joint lumps. *Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7*

Chronic osteoarthritis damages articular cartilage and subchondral bone, resulting in finger joint lumps and persistent pain. As the body ages, bone spurs may also develop in finger joints, causing swelling and painful stiffness during movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis also presents with swollen, red, and painful lumps in the joints. Initial symptoms are often subtle; lumps become apparent in the chronic stage. Patients then experience stiff finger joints, difficulty moving or gripping objects, and frequent sudden pain, which often worsens at night or in cold weather.

Chronic gout can lead to the formation of tophi around affected joints. This indicates severe gout. Without immediate treatment, patients risk disability from joint damage or deformity, infection from ruptured tophi, and nerve compression causing pain and weakness.

Other potential causes for finger joint lumps include swollen lymph nodes, neurofibromas, tenosynovitis, epidermal cysts, and even malignant tumors.

Patients display numerous lumps on finger and hand joints due to severe gout. *Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7*

Dr. Tu emphasizes that finger joint lumps signal various conditions. Regardless of their severity, these lumps can impact daily activities and diminish quality of life. If left untreated, some lumps may become painful, grow quickly, and complicate the treatment process significantly.

Upon discovering any lumps, individuals should seek medical examination for proper evaluation and necessary tests to identify the precise cause and determine appropriate treatment.

Phi Hong