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Unusual Bumps on My Wrist: Seeking Insights

8/30/2025, 2:11:19 PMMale25-34

I’m a 35-year-old female who suffered a wrist fracture in late 2025, involving a compound break to the radius and a hairline fracture on the ulna, with no lacerations to the skin. My recovery has been progressing smoothly; however, I occasionally notice a raised white cyst surrounded by redness on my wrist, particularly where the tendon is located. This issue seems to arise when I engage in activities that require a firm grip. Just today, I experienced a recurrence of this symptom, but now there are also two large white spots appearing on the fleshy part of my thumb, on the palm side, which seems to indicate it's not solely related to my wrist. Does anyone have any thoughts or insights on this issue?

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

8/30/2025, 2:11:33 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms with unusual bumps on your wrist and thumb, particularly following your wrist fracture. These could be related to several factors, including overuse of the tendon or localized inflammation. Let's break this down a bit.

Main Points:

  • The raised white cyst and accompanying redness could indicate a ganglion cyst or tendinitis, especially given your history of wrist fracture.
  • The additional spots appearing on your thumb may suggest a localized inflammatory reaction or other skin changes.

Explanation:

  1. Cyst Formation: Ganglion cysts are common soft tissue swellings that can occur near joints and tendons, particularly after injury. They often feel firm and can be painful, especially during activities that put strain on the wrist or grip.

  2. Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist can cause swelling and discomfort, particularly when engaging in activities that stress the area.

  3. Skin Changes: The white spots on your thumb might represent a separate skin issue, such as friction blisters, calluses, or even a reaction such as contact dermatitis.

Prioritized Next Steps:

  1. Limit Strain: Reduce activities that require a firm grip or put pressure on your wrist, allowing time for any inflammation to settle.

  2. Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth to the area for 15-20 minutes a few times daily to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

  3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bumps and white spots. Take note of any changes in size, color, or pain level. If they worsen or you develop new symptoms like increased pain, changes in movement, or systemic symptoms (fever, malaise), it would be important to reassess your situation.

  4. Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle range-of-motion exercises for your wrist and thumb to maintain mobility, avoiding any movements that cause pain.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, you may want to consider seeking further evaluation from a healthcare provider to explore diagnosis and treatment options. Please remember that while these steps may provide relief, effective management hinges on understanding the underlying cause. I'm here if you have more questions or need further information.

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