Hand pain can be both frustrating and limiting. Whether you play an instrument, type for long hours, or simply enjoy gardening, sore hands often get in the way. You might notice discomfort while twisting a jar lid, gripping your steering wheel, or sending a text. Hand pain does not discriminate. It can interrupt your daily routine, sometimes in ways you might not expect.
If you deal with recurring or persistent hand pain, learning more about its origins can help you reclaim control. This guide explores the most common causes of hand pain and how hand specialists treat these conditions.
Common Causes of Hand Pain
Hand pain is not a diagnosis. It is a symptom with many possible explanations. The discomfort can range from mild, dull aches to severe, stabbing pain. The cause of the pain depends on which of the structures in your hand are affected. Any one of the following structures can develop problems that result in hand pain:
- Bones
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Nerves
- Joints
- Ligaments
1. Arthritis
Osteoarthritis often develops in the joints at the base of the thumb and the tips of the fingers. This “wear and tear” arthritis results from cartilage breaking down, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It attacks the lining of joints and can lead to hand deformities if left untreated.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist. This leads to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.
3. Tendinitis
Tendinitis is the inflammation of tendons. It can result from overuse or repetitive activities. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, or pain on the thumb side of the wrist, is a common example of this. Trigger finger, or when a finger becomes stuck in a bent position, is another example.
4. Nerve Conditions
Other nerve issues, like cubital tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy, can cause hand pain, too. Symptoms might include burning, tingling, or electricity-like sensations.
5. Fractures and Sprains
Falls, sports injuries, or accidents easily injure the delicate bones and ligaments in the hand. Fractures can produce sudden, sharp pain and visible swelling.
6. Ganglion Cysts
These soft, fluid-filled lumps develop along joints or tendons in the hand or wrist. Although often harmless, they can put pressure on nearby structures and cause discomfort.
7. Other Conditions
Other possible causes include infections and gout (a painful inflammatory arthritis). Dupuytren’s contracture (thickened tissue under the skin of the palm) and vascular issues may also cause hand pain. Each has its own symptoms and requires specific care.
Diagnosing Hand Pain
A proper diagnosis is key for effective treatment. Hand specialists approach hand pain with careful evaluation. An accurate diagnosis guides treatment planning.
Medical History
Your doctor will ask about the onset of pain and the activities that make it worse or better. They will also inquire about any previous injuries or underlying conditions.
Physical Examination
They will look for swelling, redness, deformity, warmth, and any limitations in movement. Testing grip strength, finger alignment, and joint stability helps pinpoint the problem.
Imaging
X-rays can reveal bone fractures, arthritis, or deformities. MRI or ultrasound can provide detailed images of soft tissue, such as tendons and nerves.
Nerve Studies
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can help determine how well the nerves and muscles are functioning.
Diagnostic Tests
Hand pain may not always be due to an injury. Sometimes, your doctor may need to run blood tests to check for inflammation or infection.
How Hand Pain Is Treated
Not every type of hand pain requires surgery. Treatments vary depending on severity, underlying cause, and your lifestyle needs.
Rest and Immobilization
If overuse caused your pain, short-term rest and wearing a splint can give your hand time to heal.
Ice and Heat
Ice packs reduce swelling for recent injuries; heat loosens stiff joints for arthritis pain.
Medications
Doctors may suggest anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, or topical creams to reduce discomfort.
Steroid Injections
For certain types of arthritis or tendinitis, these injections reduce swelling in the joint or around the tendon.
Physical Therapy
Targeted hand exercises restore flexibility, movement, and strength while preventing recurrence.
Modification of Activities
Simple strategies can help prevent future irritation. Some examples are using ergonomic tools, adjusting techniques, and observing proper form during exercise.
Surgical Treatments
When nonsurgical methods do not provide relief, your hand specialist might recommend surgery.
Examples include:
- Carpal Tunnel Release: This relieves pressure on the median nerve.
- Tendon Repair: Surgery may be needed for severe tendon injuries or advanced trigger finger.
- Joint Replacement: For advanced arthritis, artificial implant surgery restores function.
- Fracture Care: Some fractures require pins, plates, or screws to ensure proper healing.
A trusted hand doctor near you will always discuss risks, recovery, and expected outcomes first. This way, you are fully informed about your treatment before proceeding.
Hand Doctor Near Me in Bloomfield & Rocky Hill, CT, and Springfield, MA
Hand pain affects many activities that most people take for granted. Identifying the cause and diagnosing the problem with the help of a specialist is the first step. Many conditions that cause hand pain improve with proper care. Others require specific medical or surgical treatment. At Advanced Orthopedics New England, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are here to help.
We combine the latest techniques with a personal approach. If you have pain that does not improve, trust our team to help restore comfort and function in your hands. For expert care, call our Connecticut offices at (860) 728-6740 or our Massachusetts office at (413) 788-7321. Relief is possible when you trust your hands to our specialists.
The best hand specialists near you in CT and MA look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/handinjuriesanddisorders.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25060-anatomy-of-the-hand-and-wrist
https://sportsmedicine.mayoclinic.org/conditions-treated/hand-wrist/
