Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a hand surgeon.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to write answers to the following questions:

• How long have you had the lump? Does it come and go?
• Have you ever injured the joint nearest the lump?
• Do you have arthritis?
• What medications and supplements do you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• Do you have any pain or tenderness?
• Is it interfering with your ability to use your joint?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?