Lump On Back Of Hand

Written By: Chloe Wilson BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed By: SPE Medical Review Board

A lump on the back of the hand is a common problem that can develop gradually or appear suddenly.

Some lumps are soft and painless, while others may feel hard, tender or interfere with hand movement.

In many cases, a lump in the back of the hand is harmless and linked to a cyst, joint irritation or thickened tissue. However, some lumps can become painful, grow in size or make it difficult to grip objects and move the fingers properly.

The exact location, size and texture of the lump often provide important clues about the underlying cause. 

In this guide, we’ll look at the most common causes of a lump on back of hand, when to seek medical advice, how doctors diagnose the problem and the best treatment options.

2. Carpal Boss

The most common cause of a hard lump on the back of the hand is a carpal boss, a bony overgrowth that forms where the wrist bones meet the hand bones.

It is commonly mistaken for a ganglion cyst but feels much firmer because it is made of bone rather than fluid and it does not move beneath the skin.

3. Arthritis

A common cause of a lump in the back of the hand in people over 50 is arthritis. Arthritis can cause enlarged joints and swelling that appear as lumps on the hand and fingers.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knuckles and finger joints, while rheumatoid arthritis may cause more widespread inflammation and swelling.

4. Lipoma

A common cause of a soft lump on the back of the hand is a lipoma, a benign fatty lump that develops underneath the skin.

Lipomas are usually soft, smooth and slow growing. They tend to move slightly when pressed and are rarely painful unless they compress nearby structures.

5. Epidermoid Cyst

An epidermoid cyst on back of hand develops when skin cells become trapped beneath the surface of the skin.

These cysts often form a small round lump that gradually enlarges over time and may occasionally become inflamed.

Common symptoms of epidermoid cysts include:

6. Extensor Tendonitis

Another possible cause of swelling on the back of the hand is extensor tendonitis, which occurs when the tendons on the back of the hand become irritated and inflamed.

Rather than creating a distinct round lump, extensor tendonitis usually causes diffuse swelling and thickening along the tendons.

With extensor tendonitis, people often notice:

• Swelling back of hand
• Pain with finger or wrist extension, gripping or lifting
• Tenderness back of hand
• Stiffness after activity
• Pain worsening with repetitive use

Typing, lifting and repetitive hand movements often aggravate symptoms. Find out more about swelling in back of hand from extensor tendonitis and how to treat it.

Rare Causes Of A Lump In Back Of Hand

There are several other, less common causes of lumps on the back of the hand which may be caused by other medical conditions.

• Giant Cell Tumor Of Tendon Sheath: slow-growing benign tumor that develops around tendon linings. It usually presents as a firm painless lump near the fingers or hand and may gradually enlarge over time.
• Gout: can lead to firm uric-acid crystal deposits called tophi forming around joints. Gout usually develops suddenly, often at night and is extremely painful and associated with redness and warmth.
• Enchondroma: a benign cartilage tumor that forms inside a bone. It may weaken the bone structure and occasionally lead to fractures.
• Warts: are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and typically appear as rough raised skin growths on the hands or fingers.
• Keratosis Pilaris: causes tiny rough bumps on the skin due to blocked hair follicles. It is harmless and usually affects multiple areas rather than forming a single isolated lump.
• Dermatitis: Skin inflammation from dermatitis can sometimes create thickened irritated patches that resemble small lumps on back of hand. It is often itchy and associated with dry skin.
• Dyshidrosis: Dyshidrotic eczema causes clusters of small itchy fluid-filled blisters on the hands and fingers. Symptoms often flare with stress, sweating or skin irritation.

When To See The Doctor

Most causes of a cyst or lump on the back of the hand are harmless, but you should seek medical advice if you notice:

• Rapid growth
• Severe pain
• Redness or warmth
• Hand numbness, tingling or weakness
• Reduced hand movement
• Persistent swelling back of hand
• A lump after significant injury
• Signs of infection

Any new lump on back of hand that continues changing in appearance or interferes with hand function should always be assessed by a doctor.

Diagnosing Lumps On Back Of Hand

Doctors can often diagnose a lump in back of hand through a medical history and physical examination.

Your doctor will usually ask when the lump first appeared, whether it changes in size, what activities aggravate symptoms and if there is any associated pain, weakness or stiffness.

During the examination, they will assess:

• Lump size and texture
• Tenderness
• Hand movement and grip strength
• Skin changes

Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI scans may sometimes be useful to identify the cause of the swelling on back of hand. Ultrasound is particularly useful for identifying ganglion cysts and other soft tissue lumps, while X-rays can help identify arthritis or bony problems such as a carpal boss.

Rarely, a biopsy may be required to rule out more serious conditions.

Types Of Hand Lumps By Feel

The way a lump in the back of the hand feels can often provide useful clues about the underlying cause.

• Hard Lump On Back Of Hand: A hard lump near the wrist is often caused by carpal boss, arthritis, bone spurs or enchondroma
• Soft Lump Under Skin On Hand: Soft movable lumps are usually linked to ganglion cysts, lipomas or epidermoid cysts
• Painful Lump Back Of Hand: Painful lumps are often associated with inflamed ganglion cysts, extensor tendonitis, arthritis, infection or gout
• Lump On Knuckle Of Hand: Knuckle lumps usually develop from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or warts

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Treatment For Back Of Hand Lumps

The best treatments for back of hand lumps will depend on the underlying cause of the lump and the severity of symptoms.

1. Observation

Many lumps on the back of the hand, particularly small ganglion cysts and lipomas, do not require treatment and can simply be monitored over time.

2. Activity Modification

Reducing repetitive gripping and strain can help settle symptoms linked to tendon irritation and joint inflammation.

This may include:

• Taking regular breaks
• Adjusting workstation setup
• Avoiding aggravating activities
• Using ergonomic equipment

3. Ice & Anti-Inflammatory Treatment

Anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain and swelling in back of hand.

Using an ice pack for 10-15 minutes, every couple of hours will help to reduce pain and swelling on back of hand.

4. Hand Splints & Braces

Hand or wrist splints may help reduce irritation from lumps on back of hand by limiting movement.

They are often helpful for:

• Tendonitis
• Carpal boss irritation
• Arthritis
• Ganglion cyst symptoms

5. Aspiration

Some ganglion cysts on the back of the hand can be drained using a needle procedure called aspiration. However, they often return after a few weeks or months.

6. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often beneficial for improving hand strength, flexibility and movement, particularly when tendon irritation or joint stiffness are contributing to symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Stretching exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Tendon gliding exercises
• Joint mobilisation
• Activity modification advice

7. Surgery

Surgery may be recommended if:

• The lump on back of hand is painful
• Symptoms persist
• Movement is restricted or hand function reduced
• Nerves are compressed
• The lump continues growing

Common procedures include cyst removal, bone shaving for carpal boss and tumor excision.

Summary Lump On Back Of Hand

A lump on the back of the hand is most commonly caused by ganglion cysts, carpal boss formation, arthritis or tendon irritation. Some lumps feel soft and movable, while others are hard, painful or associated with stiffness and swelling on back of hand.

Most lumps on the back of the hand are harmless, but persistent, painful or rapidly growing lumps should always be medically assessed.

Early diagnosis can help identify the underlying cause and guide the best treatment approach. In many cases, symptoms improve with simple treatments such as activity modification, splinting, physical therapy or minor procedures.

You may also be interested in the following articles:

• Pain In Back Of Hand
• Lump On Wrist
• Hand Pain Diagram
• Pain In Palm Of Hand
• Hand and Finger Pain

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Page Last Updated: May 14th, 2026
Next Review Due: May 14th, 2028

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