Some lumps are connected to joints or tendons. Arthritis may create hard swelling near a joint, while trigger finger can cause a small tendon nodule that makes a finger click, stiffen, or lock.
A red, warm, swollen, or painful lump may be caused by an infection or abscess and could need medical treatment. Less commonly, hand lumps can be related to autoimmune conditions or tumors.
See a healthcare professional if the lump grows quickly, hurts, bleeds, changes color, limits hand movement, or remains for several weeks. Doctors may use an ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy to determine its cause.
