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Common Causes of Hand Pain and How to Find Relief

Hand - Ozark Orthopaedics

Common Causes of Hand Pain and How to Find Relief

Common Causes of Hand Pain and How to Find Relief

Our busy hands may look so simple, but they’re complex body parts. They’re made up of different types and sizes of bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and other structures that enable us to move and use them the way we want.

However, it’s also this complexity and demands of our hands that make them prone to pain and injury.

When it comes to hand pain, the following are the most common culprit:

• Arthritis
The hands are one of those areas commonly affected by arthritis especially osteoarthritis. Many people over the age of 60 show symptoms of osteoarthritis on their hands such as joint inflammation and pain, limited range of motion, popping or grinding of the joints, and eventually, joint misalignment and possibly, deformity.

• Tendonitis
Also known as the inflammation within or around the tendons, tendonitis can also cause pain in the hands and fingers. They’re usually caused by repetitive movements or sudden, sharp movements.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are different nerves that provide sensation to the hands and if one of them is being compressed, there can be pain and loss in some of the hand’s functioning.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of those conditions that involve nerve compression. It usually occurs as a result of median nerve irritation or damage.

The syndrome causes hand pain and tingling and numbness on the fingers and thumb.

• Hand Injuries
As one of the busiest parts of the body, the hands are very prone to injuries. They can get slammed, stepped on, or get injured in sports.

With the complex structures they’re made of, there can be a pain, numbness, and limited functionality when hands are injured.

• Ganglion Cyst
Our joints and tendon sheaths normally have fluid. When this fluid accumulates into a pouch, a ganglion cyst can develop. This kind of cyst usually develops in the wrist. It can cause pain when it interferes with the normal functioning of the tendons and the joints of the affected site.

Managing Hand Pain

When hand pain is not a result of an injury that warrants emergency care, some simple self-care measures can help. This includes rest, cold compress, and heat (this can help relieve achy muscles and stiff joints).

If self-care measures are not sufficient, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may help relieve the inflammation and pain.

There are other causes of hand pain that aren’t easily relieved by self-care and NSAIDs. In cases like this and depending on the cause, the doctor may recommend the use of splints, prescription drugs, hand therapy, or surgery.

Our hands are very complex body structures. If you’re experiencing pain and not sure how to manage it, our Hand and Wrist specialists at Ozark Orthopaedics can help. For appointment requirements, you may call us at (479) 521-2752 or visit this link to find a location near you.