Hand Pain
Given the complexity of the hand's structure, there are numerous possible reasons for hand discomfort. Pain can originate from various sources, including the bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, skin, and other supporting tissues that enable the hands to perform a variety of functions.
Therefore, if someone is concerned about the causes of right or left-hand pain, this article provides comprehensive information about the underlying left-hand pain reasons, right-hand pain reasons, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for hand pain.
Types of Hand Pain
Hand pain can occur for various reasons, and the types of hand pain can be categorized based on the underlying causes and conditions. Some common types of hand pain include:
- Arthritis-Related Hand Pain:
- Osteoarthritis: Cartilage breakdown in the hand joints, often due to wear and tear.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing inflammation in the joints, including those in the hands.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pain, tingling, and numbness caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation or irritation of hand tendons, which can result from overuse or injury.
- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb due to inflammation of the tendons.
- Ganglion Cysts: Noncancerous lumps or cysts that often develop on the wrists or the back of the hand, causing discomfort and pain.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the hand, including the fingers or the metacarpal bones.
- Trigger Finger: A condition where a finger becomes locked in a bent position, causing pain when it's straightened.
- Dupuytren's Contracture: Thickening of the tissue beneath the palm's skin, leading to the fingers being pulled into a bent position.
- Nerve Entrapment: Compression or entrapment of nerves in the hand, which can cause shooting pain or numbness.
- Infections: Infections in the hand, such as cellulitis or abscesses, can lead to localized pain, redness, and swelling.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries: Overuse of the hand or repetitive motions can lead to various types of hand pain, such as tendinosis or stress fractures.
- Hand Injuries: Accidents or trauma resulting in injuries like sprains, strains, dislocations, or lacerations can cause acute hand pain.
- Raynaud's Disease: A condition causing reduced blood flow to the fingers, resulting in pain and color changes in response to cold or stress.
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome): A chronic pain condition characterized by severe and prolonged pain in the hand or other extremities.
Symptoms of Hand Pain
The following are the symptoms of hand pain (left and right-hand pain)
- Stiffness in the Joints: Difficulty moving the fingers or hand due to reduced flexibility in the joints.
- Pain and Numbness in the Hands: Aching or discomfort, often accompanied by a numbing sensation in the hands.
- Inflammation and Joint Pain: Swelling and discomfort in the joints, which may be caused by conditions like arthritis or injuries.
- Cracking or Popping Sounds in the Joints: Audible noises, such as cracking or popping, when moving the hand's joints, which may be indicative of joint issues.
- Swollen or Puffy Fingers: Enlargement of the fingers due to fluid retention, inflammation, or other underlying conditions.
- Numbness or Tingling Sensation in Either Hand: Abnormal sensations, such as pins and needles, tingling, or numbness, often associated with nerve compression or circulation problems.
- Pain in the Palm of the Hand: Discomfort localized in the palm area, which may be linked to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or Dupuytren's contracture.
Causes of Hand Pain
There are several conditions that are commonly reported as causes of hand pain, although hand pain can also be triggered by various other factors. While certain disorders necessitate medical attention, others can be treated at home.
Hand Pain from Arthritis
The hand is the body region most prone to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, which is a common aspect of aging. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage in the joints wears away. Hand osteoarthritis symptoms are prevalent among the majority of adults over 60. However, some individuals may experience signs of hand arthritis earlier in life, leading to pain in both hands.
Tendonitis
Inflammation around or within a tendon is known as tendonitis. It causes pain, and swelling, and affects the movement of the hands and fingers. Tendonitis can be a result of injuries, often caused by sudden, sharp movements, or repetitive motions. Tendons may occasionally develop hard nodules that can be felt under the skin.
These nodules can "stick" to other hand structures and impede finger movement when the patient tries to flex or extend their fingers. This condition is referred to as trigger finger, which causes a snapping sensation upon the release of the affected tendon.
Ligament Injury
Ligaments are a network of connective tissue that joins the 27 bones in the hand, enabling movement while maintaining joint stability. Any form of hand trauma can result in damage to one or more ligaments. Such injuries can make it challenging or even impossible to perform tasks like bending the fingers, gripping, or pinching.
Recovering from hand ligament injuries can take several months. It is common for individuals to experience swelling and stiffness in their hands for an extended period after sustaining a ligament injury.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common condition involving nerve compression in the hand, occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes irritated or injured. It can lead to numbness or tingling sensations in the fingers and thumb, as well as occasional achy or "zingy" hand pain.
Rubbing the wrist together can cause stinging or electrical nerve sensations. Additionally, the pain may radiate up the arm, and the patient may experience weakness or clumsiness. The primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive stress, such as prolonged typing on a computer, scanning goods, or using a hammer.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts have no known specific cause but are more frequently observed in girls and adults under the age of 40. For instance, gymnasts are more prone to developing ganglion cysts in their wrists. These cysts form when fluid accumulates within a sac, resulting in a visible lump on the skin.
Ganglion cysts are commonly found in the wrist and can cause discomfort by impeding normal joint and tendon movement.
How Hand Pain Is Diagnosed?
Healthcare experts can utilize various tools to identify the cause of hand pain. In most cases, they will examine the hands and inquire about the symptoms before determining which tests are necessary for a diagnosis. To assess and examine the hand structure, they may require the following:
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
The doctor may also conduct blood tests to identify symptoms of infection or inflammation, such as:
- CBC (complete blood count)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), commonly referred to as sed rate
- C-reactive protein (CRP), which is an inflammatory protein
How Hand Pain Is Treated?
If the discomfort in the hand is not due to a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention, it can likely be treated at home. Some self-care suggestions for hand pain include:
- Using ice packs to help relieve inflammation and hand pain.
- Applying heat therapy, which is commonly used to alleviate stiffness in joints and muscle soreness.
- Resting is advisable for minor injuries, overuse, or repetitive stress, as it allows inflammation to heal. Taking a break from activities and getting some rest is recommended.
In addition, a patient may consider taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications, as they might help alleviate the pain. However, it is important to consult a doctor, as OTC medications may not completely reduce inflammation. Some causes of hand discomfort cannot be effectively treated with self-care and over-the-counter medications. Therefore, for more serious injuries or conditions, a patient may require the following:
- Splints: A splint or brace can help relieve hand pain and prevent the inflammation from worsening.
- Hand therapy: Hand therapists are trained in various techniques for treating painful hand problems and preventing their recurrence.
- Prescription drugs: Some causes of hand discomfort can be treated with prescription medications, such as corticosteroid injections, oral steroids, prescription NSAIDs, or stronger pain medications like opioids.
- Addressing underlying health issues: If the hand pain is caused by a systemic ailment such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or scleroderma, treating the underlying condition will typically alleviate the symptoms of hand pain as well.
In some cases, hand pain may require surgery. The following are some causes of hand pain that may necessitate surgical intervention:
- Severely broken bones
- Muscle or connective tissue tears
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint replacement for severe arthritis
When to see a Doctor?
A person should consult a doctor if they have severe, persistent, or recurring discomfort in their hands or wrists or if they experience pain that:
- Does not improve with home treatment.
- Causes extreme hand pain at night.
- Does not respond to doctor-recommended hand pain treatment.
- May be caused by a fall or other accident that occurs in conjunction with other symptoms such as arm pain, fever, or weariness.
Hand pain that is acute, sudden, and unpleasant may indicate a probable broken wrist or arm, or a visible injury to the hand causing excruciating discomfort. Therefore, it is advisable to see a doctor even if there is slight discomfort.
Home remedies
The following are the home remedy routines a patient suffering from hand pain can adopt. They help relieve pain and inflammation for a shorter period:
These home remedies might not cure the condition, but they can help get some hand pain relief until the patient sees a doctor.
Conclusion
There are numerous potential reasons for hand pain, including injuries, overuse, and degenerative illnesses like arthritis. Gentle stretching, RICE therapy, and taking over-the-counter drugs are all home remedies for hand pain. However, severe, persistent, or recurring discomfort in the hands or wrists should be treated by a doctor.
FAQs
1. Which hand pain indicates a heart problem?
The left-sided hand pain in the arms is the most common indication of heart problems. Therefore, it is important to seek left-hand pain treatment before it worsens.
2. When is hand pain considered serious?
Hand muscle pain is considered serious when it repeatedly recurs and persists for more than a day or two. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
