Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Knuckle Pads Evaluated, Had Lumps On Knuckles. Go For Surgery?
hello. I recently had a couple knuckle pads evaluated by an ortho surgeon. He said they could be surgically removed but could return. No other treatment options were recommended. He did not believe injections would be beneficial, though I had a small lump -perhaps not a knuckle pad- successfully injected many years ago while in PTA school (1995). I ve been a PTA for 17 years and of course use my hands (most of the pads are on right). He thought my career had nothing to do with these pads. i don t want to opt for surgery at this time but would like to know if there are other options worth exploring. thank you
Mon, 25 Nov 2013
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
Neither medical nor surgical interventions for knuckle pads are very effective. Eliminating the source of mechanical or repetitive trauma may improve the lesions. Injections of corticosteroids or fluorouracil may reduce the size of the pads. Application of silicone gel sheeting has had limited success. Applications of keratolytics, such as salicylic acid or urea, have helped to soften and even reduce the lesions. Radiation therapy and application of solid carbon dioxide have been reported to be of some help in selected cases.
Please discuss above options with your doctor.
Hope this helps
Thanks for writing in.
Neither medical nor surgical interventions for knuckle pads are very effective. Eliminating the source of mechanical or repetitive trauma may improve the lesions. Injections of corticosteroids or fluorouracil may reduce the size of the pads. Application of silicone gel sheeting has had limited success. Applications of keratolytics, such as salicylic acid or urea, have helped to soften and even reduce the lesions. Radiation therapy and application of solid carbon dioxide have been reported to be of some help in selected cases.
Please discuss above options with your doctor.
Hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....