Common Causes of Hand Pain
There are some parts of our bodies that humans rely on to exceptional degrees. Besides our sensory organs, our hands are among the most critical parts of our bodies. They’re what allow us to write, open doors, carry food to the table, and take a sip of water.
So, when you start experiencing chronic hand pain, it’s essential to understand what could cause it. There are several causes of hand pain, but a few stand out most prominently. Depending on which of these you suffer from, it could influence when to get help.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the leading causes of hand pain. If these symptoms sound like yours, consult a doctor for confirmation or treatment.
The Leading Causes of Hand Pain:
Arthritis
The number one cause of hand pain continues to be arthritis. This condition refers to the inflammation of at least one joint in the body. While it may occur anywhere in a person’s body, it often strikes the hands and wrist.
Unfortunately, arthritis comes in several forms. There are over 100 types, with the two most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The first type often affects older adults, as its primary causes include wear and tear on the joints over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis, however, affects many parts of the body. It forces joints to become inflamed, causing you to experience pain and stiffness.
Symptoms of arthritis include:
- dull or burning pain in finger or wrist joints
- pain after overuse of affected joints
- stiffness or pain affecting your joints in the morning
- swelling around joints
- overextension
- small cysts on the end of fingers
- a sense of grinding or looseness around finger joints
- experiences of warmth near the affected joints caused by inflammation
There are several natural ways to treat arthritis. If you think this may be the cause of your pain, consider trying hand therapy treatments.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
At the base of your hand, there is a narrow passage of ligament and bone known as the carpal tunnel. This passageway includes your median nerve and the tendons that allow you to control your fingers.
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the carpal tunnel constricts and squeezes the median nerve. Several things can cause this constriction, including irritated tendons, inflammation, or swelling.
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- burning, tingling, or itchy numbness in palm or fingers
- pain around thumb, index finger, and middle finger
- feels like fingers are swelling even if they aren’t
- decreased grip strength
If you experience these or similar symptoms, it may be time to consult a doctor.
Other Causes of Hand Pain
Other conditions can also cause hand pain to develop. One of these includes De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a condition that affects the thumb.
Another is gout, a particularly complex type of arthritis. Gout patients suffer sudden and severe bouts of pain in their joints. Typically, it strikes at the base of the big toe but can also occur in the hands.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you suspect any of these conditions to be the causes of hand pain you experience, talk to a doctor today. They can recommend treatments to help ease your pain and get you back to your regular lifestyle.
We hope this article was helpful! If so, check out our other content today.
