The hands are intricate tools, performing a vast array of daily tasks. Because of their constant use and complex structure, they are susceptible to various conditions that can cause pain. This article explores common causes of hand discomfort, helping to shed light on why your hand might be hurting.
Injuries and Overuse Conditions
Hand pain often stems from acute injuries or repetitive strain. Sprains, which involve stretched or torn ligaments, can result from sudden impacts like falling onto an outstretched hand. Similarly, strains occur when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn, often due to excessive physical activity. Both sprains and strains can cause immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
Tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons, is a frequent cause of hand pain from overuse. This condition can affect various tendons in the hand and wrist. For instance, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist, often from repetitive thumb movements. Another common overuse condition is trigger finger, where a finger gets stuck in a bent position due to inflammation of its tendon sheath. These conditions typically develop over time from repetitive motions in daily activities, work, or sports.
Arthritis and Inflammation
Chronic joint pain in the hand is frequently attributed to arthritis, a condition involving joint inflammation and degeneration. Osteoarthritis (OA), often called “wear and tear” arthritis, results from cartilage breakdown, allowing bones to rub against each other. This leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness. In the hand, OA commonly affects the thumb base and the middle and end joints of the fingers, sometimes causing bony bumps.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) represents a different type of arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joint tissues. This leads to symmetrical inflammation, pain, and swelling, often affecting the knuckles closest to the palm and the wrist. Other inflammatory conditions, such as gout, can also cause severe hand pain. Gout is characterized by sudden, intense attacks of pain, redness, and swelling, typically in a single joint, due to a buildup of uric acid crystals.
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Nerve compression syndromes involve pain, numbness, or tingling from a squeezed nerve. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common example, occurring when the median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel at the wrist. This compression can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, often worsening at night. Repetitive movements, wrist positioning, or swelling can contribute to CTS.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is another nerve compression where the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow. This can cause numbness and tingling in the little finger and half of the ring finger, along with potential hand weakness. These nerve issues are distinct from musculoskeletal problems, focusing on neurological symptoms.
When to Seek Professional Help
Knowing when to seek professional help for hand pain is important. Consult a doctor if you experience severe, sudden pain without a clear cause, an obvious deformity, or persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness that worsens or interferes with daily activities. Other indicators include pain that does not improve with rest or home care within a few days or weeks. Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever) also necessitate prompt medical attention. If hand pain significantly limits your ability to perform routine tasks, seek a professional diagnosis.
Managing Pain and Prevention
For mild hand pain, several strategies can help manage discomfort and prevent recurrence. Resting the affected hand and modifying aggravating activities can reduce stress on injured tissues. Applying ice packs can reduce swelling and pain, while heat can ease stiffness. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can also help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Incorporating ergonomic adjustments into your workspace or daily routines can minimize strain on your hands and wrists, such as positioning keyboards and mice for neutral wrist alignment. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and muscle support. However, these self-care measures should not replace professional medical advice, especially if pain is severe or persistent.