Why does my hand hurt, and how to remedy it

Causes of hand pain

There are numerous possible causes of pain in the hand, including:

• injuries, such as bruises, cuts, burns, fractures or breaks
• overuse, also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI), which can happen from repetitive movements in the hand
• carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that causes pain and numbness due to a trapped nerve
• other forms of nerve damage
• infection
• inflammation
• trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis
• scleroderma, an autoimmune condition that causes a person to produce an abnormal amount of collagen
• Raynaud phenomenon
• arthritis
• extensor tendonitis, also known as mallet or baseball finger, which happens when a sudden blow causes a person’s fingertip to droop
• a ganglion cyst, which is a lump that forms on the finger or wrist

Treatments

The kind of treatment a person can use to soothe hand pain can depend on the cause of the issue.

Injury and overuse

It is possible to treat pain caused by injurt and overuse using the RICE protocol.

Sometimes, a person can initially treat treat minor hand injuries to the palms, fingers, or wrists using the Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) protocol.

The RICE protocol involves:

• Rest: Rest the injured area and avoid the activity that caused the injury.
• Ice: Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes, several times a day. A person can try using cold packs or frozen bags of vegetables. A person should never apply ice directly to the skin.
• Compression: Wear a compression bandage to prevent swelling and additional blood loss.
• Elevation: While resting, raise the injury above the heart to help reduce swelling.

If the RICE protocol does not help reduce pain and swelling, a person should speak with their doctor.

Thoroughly wash and disinfect any minor cuts and cover them with a Band-Aid or another dressing.

Taping an injured finger to the one beside it can help keep the finger still. This can help the finger to heal and prevent pain from movement.

Anti-inflammatory pain medication can reduce pain in the fingers, palms, and wrists.

Treatment for RSI in the hand includes:

• identifying the cause and modifying it to reduce repetitive motions
• stopping the activity responsible altogether if necessary
• taking rain relieving medication, such as acetaminophen
• taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• using hot or cold packs

Scleroderma and Raynaud phenomenon

Scleroderma can cause the skin of the fingers to thicken and tighten, making it difficult to move them.

A form of scleroderma called systemic scleroderma can narrow the blood vessels of the hand. This can lead to pain and tingling, which doctors call Raynaud phenomenon.

Early symptoms of scleroderma include swollen or puffy fingers, numbness and tingling in fingers or toes, and joint pain.

Scleroderma is a chronic condition with no cure. However, steroids, blood pressure medications, and immunosuppressants can help relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing.

There is no cure for Raynaud phenomenon. Most people with the condition can prevent symptoms by keeping warm. Some people may find that certain medications or surgeries help with symptoms.

Raynaud phenomenon caused by another condition may regress if the underlying cause is treated.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term for damage to the cartilage. More than 100 different disorders can cause damage to the cartilage and pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis that commonly affects the joints of the fingers and wrists.

Treatment depends on the type of arthritis but can include:

• physical therapy
• weight loss
• acupuncture
• NSAIDs
• corticosteroid injections
• surgery

People with symptoms of RA may need to see a rheumatologist who can prescribe medications to help preserve their joints.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Home treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• doing hand and wrist exercises daily
• increasing physical activity and exercise
• weight loss
• stopping smoking cigarettes or tobacco products
• modifying activities that cause or worsen symptoms
• reducing computer use

If carpal tunnel is severe and long-lasting, a person may require surgery or steroid injections.

Ganglion cyst

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that can develop near joints and tendons in the hand and wrist. These cysts can vary in size but are often harmless and disappear without treatment.

Ganglion cysts often develop on the back of the wrist.

Although ganglion cysts usually do not need treatment, they can become painful or limit activity. A doctor can treat a ganglion cyst by:

• using splints and anti-inflammatory medication
• removing fluid from the cyst and compressing it
• surgery

Doctors do not know what causes ganglion cysts. However, they may occur alongside conditions such as:

• arthritis
• joint or tendon irritation
• injury
• changes in motion

When to see a doctor

A person should talk with a doctor for severe, persistent, or reoccurring pain in the hands or wrists or pain that:

• does not get better with home treatment
• gets steadily worse
• does not respond to treatment that a doctor recommends
• may be due to a fall or other injury
• occurs along with other symptoms, such as arm pain, a fever, or exhaustion

A person should seek immediate medical attention for:

• intense, sudden, unbearable hand pain
• a suspected broken wrist or arm
• a visible injury to the hand that causes very intense pain

Summary

There are many possible causes of hand pain. They range from injuries and overuse to degenerative conditions, such as arthritis.

Home remedies for hand pain include gently stretching, trying RICE therapy, and taking over-the-counter medications.

A person should see a doctor for severe, persistent, or reoccurring pain in the hands or wrists.