A video of a lady showing off her newly done nails gained popularity because people were perplexed as to what happened to her fingers. The lady has a case of knuckle pad, and throughout the comment section, everyone seemed to have their two cents to share. Some say she bleached her skin, some were grateful for having perfect knuckles, while others were genuinely curious as to what happened to her fingers.
Knuckle pads are thick, tough bumps that can show up on your knuckles. These pads look like smooth, shiny patches and can be different sizes. It’s usually found at the back of the fingers, right over the joints where the fingers bend. Most of the time, they don’t hurt, but sometimes they can be a bit uncomfortable or get in the way when you’re using your hands. In this article, we’re going to look at the various causes of the formation of knuckle pad and what effects it has on hand mobility.
Understanding Knuckle Pads
As explained earlier, knuckle pads are thick, hard bumps that form on the skin over your knuckles. But these pads are of two types: true knuckle pads and pseudo knuckle pads.
True knuckle pad are bumps that usually appear because of repeated rubbing or pressure on the knuckles. For example, if you play sports or do a lot of work with your hands, the constant friction can make the skin on your knuckles thicker and form these pads. True knuckle pads have its characteristics which include:
- Smooth and shiny pads.
- Well-defined, in that you can see the edges of the pads.
- Can be found on the back of the fingers.
- The pads don’t hurt but can feel sore and uncomfortable from time to time.
On the other hand, pseudo knuckle pads are bumps that look like true knuckle pads but are caused by different health issues. One example is Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition where the tissue under the skin of the palm and fingers thickens and forms lumps, which can look similar to knuckle pads. Pseudo knuckle pads characteristics include:
- Not so smooth and defined pads.
- Irregular pad shape (sometimes).
- Can also be found on the back of the fingers.
- Sometimes, underlying conditions such as Dupuytren’s contracture, can cause the fingers to bend and stay in that position, which makes it difficult to straighten them.
Causes of Knuckle Pads
Genetic Factors
Knuckle pads can occasionally be linked to hereditary problems, which means they can run in families. For example, hereditary diseases such as epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, which thickens the skin on your hands and feet, bart-pumphrey syndrome, and acrokeratoelastoidosis of the costa can sometimes cause knuckle pads. Bart-Pumphrey Syndrome causes skin, hair, and nail problems, as well as knuckle pads.
Acrokeratoelastoidosis of Costa, on the other hand, is an uncommon skin and connective tissue condition that causes knuckle pads. Camptodactyly is a disorder in which the fingers bend inward, causing knuckle pads to grow over time. Basically, if knuckle pads appear in your family, it could be due to a genetic condition.
Acquired Factors
Knuckle pads can also form because of things you do or how you use your hands. For instance, if you’re doing a job that involves a lot of manual work or playing sports, the constant rubbing and pressure can cause knuckle pads to swell. Actions like cracking your knuckles a lot or sucking your fingers can also lead to knuckle pads because they put repeated stress on your knuckles.
Furthermore, if you’re frequently gripping tools or playing instruments, the friction can cause calluses that might turn into knuckle pads. Knuckle pads can also be linked to other conditions like dupuytren’s contracture, and ledder hose disease, where tissue thickens. They’re related because they affect connective tissue in a way similar to how knuckle pads form.
Other Potential Causes
Sometimes, knuckle pads show up without any clear reason, which is called idiopathic knuckle pads; meaning that doctors can’t figure out why they are appearing. Additionally, while not very common, exposure to certain chemicals or irritants might contribute to knuckle pads forming.
Bottom Line
Genetic disorders such as Epidermolytic Palmoplantar Keratoderma or Camptodactyly, as well as repetitive behaviors such as knuckle cracking, can cause knuckle pads. They can also happen from friction or have a connection to conditions such as Dupuytren’s Contracture.
If knuckle pads are persistent or problematic, you need to see a doctor to rule out more serious problems. Treatment options vary and may include medication or surgery. Use protective clothing and try not to put too much strain on your hands to prevent them.
