What do you do for a swollen area on the wrist near the base of the palm?

Question

-- it's the hand I control the mouse with --- I tend to rest it on the mousepad -- the area on right hand between palm and wrist on right hand is sort of swollen and sore on right side -- sort of like a lump --- was wondering what to do -- how to get rid of it or avoid getting it in the future? --- thanks

Answer 1

I agree that it could be a ganglion cyst. It should go away on its own if it's not that big, but if it's pretty large, interferes with your range of motion, or persists long enough to make you nervous you should go to the doctor and get it removed. Don't try to burst it, it will make things worse.

If it's not a cyst, well I'd be surprised. If it's not too tender, and doesn't impede mobility then you probably don't need to worry about it too much. Try icing it to see if the swelling goes down. If the swelling goes away it's not a cyst.

Answer 2

First determine what the cause of the problem might be. Did you hit your wrist on anything lately? Bruises on the wrist often form a lump like that..and sometimes it's hard to see that a lump on a wrist is a bruise because veins etc, make the color of some bruises harder to see, at least in a stage before a bruise turns darker in color. Because of a rich blood vessel supply in a more restricted area, a bruise to the wrist tends to form a lump that slowly resides as the body reabsorbs the blood from the bruise. Also wrist braces can help a lot, even when the cause of the problem is just a bruise. You can easily find wrist braces at places like Wal-Mart, most pharmacies, etc in the section of the store where they keep such things as ace bandages, etc. If you need more padding over the sore area, you can put some cotton over the sore area before putting the brace on. The brace restricts movement in the sore area and also protects it against being bumped again. If you have other symptoms, such as "tingling", numbness, etc, or pain that's similar to the pain of hitting your elbow "funny bone" on something, then you may be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome or other problem that requires a hand specialist's attention.

Answer 3

You should see a health care provider for your swelling, especially if it is painful. It could be many things; however, given its location, and your description, it sounds like a ganglionic cyst. They are relatively harmless, but can cause pain and reduced mobility. If this is what it is, it will respond (less pain) to heat and reduced use. I have also heard that massaging the site in the hot tub with the jets has helped. In any event, if any of these make it worse, stop doing them. Your physician may also refer you to a surgeon who can remove it, or drain it (less invasive and probably better option). Either way, sometimes they come back... and sometimes they don't. You could also have any number of other things, but my money is on the ganglionic cyst. Good luck, and whatever you do, do NOT use the "bible" treatment.

Answer 4

I would start by applying ice and leaving the mouse alone for a while. Get yourself a mouse pad that has a wrist rest attached to it.

Answer 5

I went 6 weeks without knowing my growth plate in my left wrist was broken. so i guess so. haha.

Answer 6

try applying ice for it