Oftentimes patients will notice a bump or a cyst at the end of their finger at the last segment that bends. Some people note a change in the appearance of the nail, accompanied by some degree of stiffness, pain, and aching with use of the finger. Pain is particularly worse with pinching and strong grip. Sometimes there is even spontaneous drainage of the cyst because it gets so close to the skin.

I would not recommend drainage of the cyst through a needle or small incisions as this can allow infectious bacteria into the cyst and then into the finger joint itself. If infection were to occur, it could damage the joint quite rapidly.

This problem can usually be managed very well with observation in mild cases and with use of a small finger splint and anti-inflammatory medication in moderate cases. When there is persistent pain, spontaneous drainage, or significant deformities of the nail, surgical treatments can be very effective.