Hand Pain

Hand pain can result from a range of conditions, from arthritis to tendonitis to sprains, strains, fractures or dislocations. It may be experienced in the wrist, fingers or hand, with accompanying symptoms including stiffness, swelling, redness, weakness and a tingling sensation. The source of hand pain can be found in the bones, muscles or ligaments, so it is important to work with your healthcare provider to achieve a diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan.

The cause of hand pain can be anything from injury or trauma to nerve damage or autoimmune disorders. Some common causes include:

• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Ganglion cysts (noncancerous, soft, fluid-filled cysts that can develop on the front or back of the hand)
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendon damage or inflammation

General risk factors for hand pain include age, gender, hormonal factors, obesity, previous hand injuries, family history, activities, occupation and overuse of the hand muscles and joints. Individuals with other conditions, such as lupus, gout, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are at higher risk for developing hand pain.

Because some forms of hand pain are a result of other health conditions, hand pain cannot always be prevented. However, the following steps can reduce risk or help to manage symptoms:

• Using devices, furniture and tools designed to reduce strain on the hand muscles and joints can prevent hand pain and manage symptoms.
• Specific hand-strengthening exercises and stretches can prevent or manage hand pain.
• Maintaining a healthy diet and weight reduces the risk of conditions like arthritis which can lead to hand pain.
• Giving your hands plenty of rest from overuse can prevent swelling and pain.

Symptoms of hand pain depend on the cause and location of the pain. Working with your doctor will help diagnose the source of pain and determine the best way to manage symptoms.

Whether the pain stems from nerve damage, arthritis or other conditions, symptoms may include:

• Bruising
• Difficulty moving the fingers or wrist
• Numbness
• Redness
• Sharp or dull pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling in the fingers

The source of hand pain is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history review. The experts at the Montefiore Einstein Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation may diagnose your condition using ultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the hand’s joint structure, soft tissues, cartilage and tendons.

During the physical exam, your provider will look for signs of pain and tenderness when the hand and fingers are moved in specific ways. They will examine your hands closely, looking for swelling, tenderness, deformities (like bumps or changes in joint shape), reduced range of motion, muscle weakness and creaking or grinding sounds.

Your doctor will design an individualized treatment plan for you depending on the cause of your hand pain and the severity of symptoms. The most common forms of treatment include the following:

• Medications, such as over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen
• Prescription or over-the-counter creams that bring pain relief
• Corticosteroid injections that can reduce inflammation and pain
• Physical therapy that includes hand exercises as well as splints or braces

In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery for joint replacement, tendon or ligament repair or arthrodesis, a procedure that fuses the joint to alleviate pain and improve stability.

Though not all causes of hand pain can be prevented, symptoms typically improve with treatment and rest. If the condition is exacerbated by overuse, a change in work habits or hobbies may be needed to prevent flare-ups. Many also experience relief by making lifestyle changes, including more exercise, maintaining a healthy anti-inflammatory diet and rest.