Hand pain can be caused by a variety of factors, from tendonitis to arthritis and everything in between. However your pain began, though, it can be debilitating, especially considering how often we use our hands. Below we will look at common symptoms and causes of hand discomfort, as well as its treatment.
Symptoms
Depending on the cause of your pain, different people experience different symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Sharp Pain
- Loss of Motion
- Difficulty making a fist
It can be difficult to know when to see a doctor to help manage your pain. If you have persistent or worsening pain or swelling, reach out to your physician for help.
Causes
There are a variety of different things that could be causing your hand pain, from a chronic condition to a one-time event such as an injury. Common causes include:
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Fracture
- Broken Bone
- Trigger Finger (stenosing tenosynovitis, a condition that causes the fingers or thumb to lock in a bent position)
No matter what is causing your pain, it can be frustrating to not be able to use your hand to its full capacity. If your pain is causing you to miss normal activities, reach out to your doctor for help.
Treatment
Again, hand pain treatment depends on the cause of your pain. While some mild cases can be treated with rest and ice, more severe cases may require physical therapy to build back the muscle. If your pain is on the mild side, your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain medication to manage your pain.
Furthermore, steroid shots are another treatment option for some diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. While more severe cases of hand pain may require surgery, this is less common.