We depend on our hands for just about everything, from grasping a toothbrush to typing on a keyboard. Bones, joints, connective tissues, and nerves make up the human hands, allowing for nimble movements. However, the structures that make up the hands are more delicate than other parts of the body, making them more prone to injury. You might experience hand pain for several reasons, including a harmless cut across your palm or a more severe injury like a broken bone. One other common reason for hand pain is arthritis. Arthritis of the hand can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in your finger joints, impacting your ability to complete small, everyday tasks. But how do you know the difference between arthritis and something else? Here are the common causes of hand pain, including the different types of arthritis and their common symptoms.
Common Causes of Hand Pain
The location and severity of your pain can help determine what is causing your hand pain. Here are examples of common causes of hand pain and the types of symptoms you may experience.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the most common cause of hand pain. Arthritis typically occurs around the knuckles and joints in the fingers. Each joint has cartilage to help keep movements smooth and prevent bones from rubbing against one another. Arthritis will cause the cartilage or lining of the joints to deteriorate, which exposes the ends of your bones. This will lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and even visible deformity of your joints and fingers. Arthritis is a progressive condition, which means when left untreated, it can cause these symptoms to get worse. Everyday tasks like buttoning your shirt or tying your shoe can become difficult due to hand arthritis.
Nerve Damage
When nerves in and around the hand become damaged, you may develop pain, numbness, and weakness in your hands. One example of nerve damage is peripheral neuropathy, which can affect the nerves in your hands and wrists that control sensations and muscle movement. With nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy, you may notice a prickling or tingling sensation in your hands that may develop gradually. Peripheral neuropathy can also lead to sharp, burning pain that radiates from your wrist into the tips of your fingers. Nerve damage in the hands can lead to a lack of coordination and muscle weakness.
Sprains & Fractures
A sudden injury can lead to a sprain or fracture, which will cause pain at the injury site. Hand injuries are common in falls or while playing sports. Certain occupations, like construction, can put your hands at greater risk for injury. A fracture refers to a broken bone in the hand, while a sprain will typically impact muscles in the hand. You can also suffer a sprained or fractured wrist, which can cause pain and discomfort when you move your hand. Because the structures in the hands are so delicate, getting treatment right away for any hand injury is important to avoid permanent damage to your hand and dexterity.
Overuse Injuries
An overuse injury can occur when you engage in repetitive movements that put additional stress on the structures in your hand. For example, repetitive hand and wrist movements can cause inflammation in and around the median nerve, which controls your finger movement. This type of overuse injury is known as carpal tunnel syndrome and can cause burning or tingling sensations in the palm of your hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause tingling and numbness in your thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic health conditions can also lead to hand pain or worsen it. One such health condition is known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, which causes swelling in the tendons around your thumb. It can cause pain and make it difficult to grasp or pinch objects. Raynaud’s disease is another health condition that can cause your extremities, like hands and feet, to become cold and change colors. Raynaud’s disease can lead to a pins and needles sensation in your fingertips.
Types of Hand Arthritis
In order to distinguish hand pain from arthritis of the hand, it helps to get a better understanding of the main types of hand arthritis that can affect you. Here are four types of hand arthritis, their causes, and distinguishing symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
General wear and tear on the joints can lead to osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis. Many people develop osteoarthritis later in life as the cartilage that cushions and covers the joints starts to wear down over time. Osteoarthritis of the hand can cause pain when the ends of bones rub together in the joints of your fingers and hand. The most common places for osteoarthritis in your hands are in the wrist, the base of your thumbs, and the top joints of your fingers. Osteoarthritis of the hand can also cause stiffness and result in a loss of mobility over time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, causing the lining of the joints to swell. The joints depend on a lubricant known as synovium to allow cartilage to easily glide against one another. As inflammation develops in the area because of the immune response, the cartilage and bones can start to erode over time. This can lead to the joints losing their shape and function. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects joints on both sides of the body, so you are more likely to experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints of both hands.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in fingers and a skin condition called psoriasis. People who have psoriasis can develop psoriatic arthritis, which can come in waves and cause symptoms for a while before bouts of relief. Psoriatic arthritis most commonly affects a few fingers at a time and leads to obvious swelling, joint pain, and stiffness in the morning or after long periods of disuse.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
After an injury to your hand or wrist, you may develop what is known as post-traumatic arthritis. If you experience a sudden trauma, like a fracture or sprain, your body may trigger an immune response to the area that causes inflammation. Post-traumatic arthritis is generally temporary and will resolve with time, unlike arthritis caused by wear and tear.
Diagnosing Hand Pain
Talk to your doctor if you experience new or worsening hand pain. Some causes of hand pain, like osteoarthritis or an injury from repetitive movement, can cause symptoms that gradually worsen. A traumatic injury like a fracture will typically cause more sudden and immediate pain. Hand pain that occurs specifically around the joints, like your knuckles, the joints at the tips of your fingers, and the base of your thumb, are more likely associated with arthritis. Tell your doctor what symptoms you have been experiencing and if any movements or activities worsen the pain. Your doctor can diagnose arthritis or another cause of hand pain with a thorough physical examination and diagnostic imaging tools like an X-ray or bone scan. An X-ray will provide your doctor with highly detailed images of the bones in your hands, which can help identify areas of worn-down cartilage. Arthritis of the hand can also lead to the development of bone spurs, which are typically detectable on an X-ray. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, they may recommend a blood test to confirm this diagnosis.
How to Get Lasting Relief for Hand Pain
If you’re dealing with hand pain, whether from arthritis, an injury, or repetitive strain, there’s good news: relief is possible! Once your doctor identifies the cause of your discomfort, a customized treatment plan can help reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve your overall hand function. Here are several ways to find lasting relief, ranging from simple at-home remedies to specialized care options.
Home Remedies for Hand Pain Relief
When pain flares up, your first instinct might be to reach for relief at home, and that’s a great place to start. Home remedies can help manage symptoms and complement your treatment plan. These simple steps can go a long way in managing symptoms day-to-day.
- Cold Therapy: Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your hand can reduce inflammation and numb the area. This can also help if you’re experiencing swelling or a recent injury.
- Heat Therapy: Additionally, using a warm compress can help relax stiff muscles and joints. Heat is best for easing chronic stiffness from arthritis or tension after long use.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce both pain and inflammation. It’s important to follow dosing instructions and talk to your doctor if you need long-term relief.
- Topical Pain Relievers: Creams or gels containing ingredients like menthol or capsaicin can be applied directly to the hands for targeted relief without affecting the whole body.
Bracing & Joint Support
Joint support is key in both healing and preventing further irritation, especially when inflammation is involved. If your hand pain stems from arthritis or a repetitive stress injury, stabilizing the joint can help you avoid making things worse. Your doctor might recommend:
- Splints or Braces: These devices are designed to keep your wrist or fingers in a neutral position, reducing strain and promoting healing. A splint or brace can also be useful at night or during activities that trigger pain.
- Compression Gloves: These snug-fitting gloves help support the joints, improve circulation, and provide warmth that can help reduce stiffness, which can be beneficial for people with arthritis-related pain.
- Ergonomic Tools: Simple adaptations like ergonomic keyboards and voice-to-text software can reduce stress on your hands throughout the day.
How to Strengthen Wrists and Hands
Working with a physical therapist can make a big difference when it comes to long-term hand pain relief. Practicing these exercises regularly can help you maintain hand function and reduce dependence on medications or more invasive treatments. These professionals will guide you through the following:
- Gentle Range-of-Motion Exercises: Movements that stretch and flex the fingers and wrist can help reduce stiffness and maintain joint flexibility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Building strength in the muscles and tendons that support your hand helps stabilize the joints and prevent future injuries.
- Coordination & Dexterity Drills: Fine motor skills can fade with certain conditions like arthritis or nerve damage in the hand. A physical therapist can use targeted activities to help restore your ability to grasp, pinch, or type with ease.
Medical Treatments for Hand Pain
If home care and non-invasive techniques aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend additional options. Your treatment will depend on the specific cause of your hand pain, its severity, and how it affects your daily life.
- Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter meds aren’t doing the trick, your doctor might prescribe stronger pain relievers or biologics for autoimmune types of arthritis.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These anti-inflammatory injections can be administered directly into a painful joint, offering relief that can last weeks or even months.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: In some cases, a hand specialist may perform procedures to remove damaged tissue or bone spurs, improve joint alignment, or decompress a pinched nerve.
- Surgery: For severe cases, especially those involving joint deformity or loss of function, surgical intervention may be the best option. Procedures may include joint replacement, tendon repair, or fusion of affected joints.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Long-Term Relief
Making small changes in your daily routine can have a big impact over time. Some helpful habits include:
- Pacing Activities: Avoid overusing your hands by breaking tasks into smaller chunks and taking breaks when needed.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can amplify pain perception and contribute to muscle tension. Techniques like yoga, meditation, or even a warm hand soak can help.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Foods rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, and berries may help reduce systemic inflammation.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking interferes with blood flow and can worsen joint issues, especially in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Get Help from Hand Specialists Who Understand
Whether your hand pain is mild or severe, don’t ignore it. Getting a diagnosis early can help prevent permanent damage and improve your outcome. At AICA Orthopedics in Marietta, our team of orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, and specialists work together to get to the root of your pain and help you find long-lasting relief. From cutting-edge diagnostic imaging to hands-on therapies and advanced treatments, we’re here to help you get back to doing what you love with less pain and more comfort