Hand Pain: Managing Conditions from Carpal Tunnel to Arthritis

DELTA HEALTHCARE

Park Health Centre

700 Holderness Road

HULL
HU9 3JR
Telephone: 01482 335234

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Medical Emergencies dial 999

Out of Hours:  dial  111

HAND PAIN

Common Causes of Hand Pain

  • Arthritis:
    • Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of cartilage in the joints.
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
    • Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.
  • Tendinitis:
    • Inflammation of the tendons in the hand
  • Trigger Finger:
    • A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then straightens with a snap.
  • De Quervain's Tenosynovitis:
    • Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
  • Ganglion Cysts:
    • Noncancerous lumps that develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists and hands.
  • Fractures:
    • Breaks in the bones of the hand due to trauma or injury..
  • Sprains and Strains:
    • Injuries to the ligaments or muscles in the hand.
  • Gout:
    • A type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints

Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness in the hand and wrist.
  • Swelling and stiffness.
  • Numbness or tingling, especially in carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Limited range of motion.
  • Weakness or difficulty gripping objects.
  • Visible deformities or lumps, such as with ganglion cysts

Diagnosis

  • Physical Examination: :
    • A doctor will assess the hand for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and deformities.
  • X-rays: 
    • To detect fractures, dislocations, and arthritis.
  • MRI or Ultrasound:
    • For detailed images of soft tissues, tendons, and ligaments
  • Nerve Conduction Studies: 
    • To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Blood Tests:
    • To check for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Treatment Options

Self-Care and Home Remedies

  • Rest:
    • Avoid activities that cause pain and give the hand time to heal.
  • Ice:
    • Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
  • Compression::
    • Use an elastic bandage or wrist brace to support the hand and reduce swelling.
  • Elevation:
    • Keep the hand elevated above heart level to reduce swelling..
  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
    • Medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Medical Treatments

  • Splints and Braces:
    • To immobilise the hand and allow healing.
  • Medications::
    • Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy:
    • Exercises to strengthen the hand muscles and improve flexibility.
  • Surgery:
    • Required for severe cases, such as carpal tunnel release surgery, tendon repair, or removal of ganglion cysts.

Lifestyle Changes and Prevention

  • Ergonomic Adjustments:
    • Modify workspaces and activities to reduce strain on the hands.
  • Regular Exercise:
    • Strengthen the muscles and maintain joint flexibility.
  • Proper Hand Positioning:
    • Maintain good posture and hand positioning during activities.
  • Warm-Up and Stretching:
    • Before engaging in repetitive tasks to prepare the muscles and prevent injuries.

When to Seek Medical Help

  • Severe pain that doesn't improve with self-care
  • Persistent numbness or tingling
  • Inability to move the hand or fingers normally.
  • Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and fever.
  • Sudden onset of intense pain or swelling

Consulting with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan is essential for effectively managing hand pain.