Why Does My Hand Hurt? (Part 1)
There are many possible causes of pain in the hands or wrists – so when you experience discomfort it can be difficult the determine what the underlying cause is. Pain in the hand and wrist can be cause by external force to the hand such as injury, overuse, “wear and tear” and repetitive motions. But unexplained pain in the wrist, fingers or hands can also be the result of illness or disease.
In this two-part article, Detroit area hand specialist Dr. Uzma Rehman explain the signs and symptoms of 10 of the most common causes of discomfort in the hand and wrist. If any of these symptoms apply to you, the best course of action is to get an expert diagnosis from a board certified hand doctor like Dr. Rehman.
Early detection and a rapid treatment plan is the best way to minimize hand pain, as well as to ensure a full recovery with no long term negative impact on the use or mobility of your fingers and hand.
#1. Hand Pain Caused by Arthritis
The most common cause of hand discomfort is arthritis (inflammation of one or more joints). It may develop almost anywhere on the body, but is most prevalent in the hands and wrists. Although there are over 100 kinds of arthritis, the two most prevalent are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is more common in elderly people. Hand joints endure a great deal of wear and strain over time. Articular cartilage is a slippery substance that covers the ends of bones and allows for smooth joint movement. As it diminishes gradually, uncomfortable symptoms may begin to manifest.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory illness that may impact many bodily systems. It causes inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. It often starts in the hands or feet and progresses to the same joints on both sides of the body.
Arthritis symptoms include the following:
- dull or searing pain in the fingers or wrist joints
- discomfort associated with overuse (such as heavy gripping or repetitive motion)
- morning stiffness and discomfort in joints
- swollen joints
- changes in the area around the thumb joints (overextension)
- tenderness at the location of the afflicted joint (resulting from inflammation)
- grinding, grating, or looseness in the area of the finger joints
#2. Hand Pain Caused by Injury
Hand injuries are a very frequent occurrence and are the second most common cause of hand pain. The hand’s intricate anatomy is fragile and vulnerable. Your hands are always at risk. Injury to the hands is frequent in sports, construction, and everyday falls.
Each hand has 27 tiny bones that may be shattered in a variety of ways. When not handled correctly, hand fractures may heal badly. Additionally, the hand’s muscles may be injured or strained.
Always see your physician or a hand specialist for an X-ray to rule out fractures if you have fallen, twisted, slammed, fell on or injured you hand.
#3. Hand Pain Caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is also an extremely common source of wrist pain, especially in office workers, manufacturing employees and construction workers. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms develop gradually – usually as a result of repetitive movements – and may range in severity
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve (that runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand) is compressed when the carpal tunnel in the wrist narrows. This constriction may be a result of irritated tendons thickening, inflammation, or anything else that causes swelling in this region.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- persistent burning, tingling, or itching in the palm of the hand and fingers
- numbness in the fingers
- pain in the area of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
- feeling as if your fingers are swollen even when they are not
- pain and stiffness in the hand or wrist at night or in the morning
- decreased grip strength
- difficulty grasping small objects or performing certain tasks
- difficulty sensing the difference between hot and cold.
#4. Hand Pain Caused by Tenosynovitis de Quervain
Tenosynovitis de Quervain is a painful disease that affects the tendons surrounding your thumb. Swelling in the two tendons at the base of your thumb produces inflammation in the region surrounding your tendons. This inflammation places a strain on surrounding nerves, resulting in discomfort and numbness around the base of your thumb.
de Quervain’s tenosynovitis may cause the following symptoms:
- discomfort on the thumb-side of your wrist
- swelling at the base of your thumb
- difficulty gripping anything or squeezing
- a sticking or popping sensation while moving your thumb
#5. Hand Pain Caused by Ganglion Cysts
Wrist and hand ganglion cysts are usually not too painful, although they may be unattractive. They often present as a big mass or lump protruding from the rear of the wrist. Additionally, they may develop in different diameters on the underside of the wrist, the finger’s end joint, or the finger’s base.
Symptoms of Ganglion Cysts include:
- fluid filled “sacks” that come and go or alter in size rapidly
- pain, tingling, or numbness in the wrist or hand
Top Detroit Area Hand Specialist
If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Detroit area hand specialist Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, rapid intervention and appropriate treatment is the most effective way to combat the effects of any conditions causing hand or wrist pain.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
