I have a small lump in the palm of my left hand which is quite hard. It's not painful and doesn't inhibit movement of the hand or fingers.  Anyone got any ideas?

It's called ganglion or cynovial cyst that contains mucopolysaccharide-rich fluid within a fibrous capsule; usually attached to a tendon sheath in the hand, wrist, or foot, or connected with the underlying joint. The cyst can be surgically removed under local anaesthesia if it really bothers you.

Hope it helps.

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Alla Cranham, MSc ABMT,
Registered Homotoxicologist

Mercury House
Northgate
Nottingham
NG7 7FN

Tel +44(0) 845 450 7316
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http://www.in-vivo-health.co.uk

If the lump is near the base of your little and /or ring finger, it may be Dupuytren's contracture.  This causes a puckered appearance around the palm fold and a lumpy feel which isn't usually tender.  As it progresses it causes the little and ring fingers to curl towards the palm.  It can also affect the feet, and occasionally the penis (causing a side bend).  If it causes problems in the hand it can be released surgically.  I have tried manipulationg it without success.  It is aggravated by alcohol intake and so is probably affected by vitamin depletion - especially antioxidants.

Other lumps in the palm tend to be tender, e.g. nodules on tendons.

Peter Still, osteopath

If this is a Dupuytrens contracture, it might be worth trying glucosamine and omega 3 supplements.  We noticed a considerable reduction in the swelling and increase in the movement in my partner's hand after he'd been taking these for about 6 weeks to counteract arthritis in his knee.  He was also prescribed Dicloflex (Diclofenac) and was taking this too for the first four weeks so don't know which of the three might have given the benefit, but stopping the Dicloflex hasn't made it get worse.

I had a Dupuytren's node (the precursor to Dupuytren's contracture) and that was painful so it probably isn't that.  I cured this incurable condition by taking Cider Vinegar and Honey every day for a couple of months but I'm not sure that it will help a cyst.  Try rubbing it with castor oil for at least a minute (getting the area nice and warm).

I also have a small hard swelling in the palm of my left hand whiich was diagnosed by an acupuncturist as being related to a cyst in my liver.Maybe this path should be investigated.