Introduction:
The upper limb of the human body comprises the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand (palm, backhand, and fingers). Various muscles, bones, and joints for movement support them. The primary function of a hand is to manipulate objects according to requirements. Therefore, pain in the hand may impair work and decrease participation in social activities. The common methods of treatment include medication, proper rest, heat, and ice packs which will help with pain and inflammation.
What Is Meant by Hand Pain?
Hand pain is an unpleasant feeling that hinders hand movements and activities. Hand pain may be mild or severe. It is usually a response to any underlying problem. Therefore, identifying the cause and treating the condition can alleviate hand pain.
What Are the Causes of Hand Pain?
The two primary reasons for hand pain are trauma and any underlying disease. The pain can occur in the wrist, thumb, fingers, palm, or back of the hand. Swelling, wounds, redness, nerve injury, mineral or vitamin deficiency, numbness, tingling sensation, muscle spasms, finger stiffness, or erection contribute to hand pain. Some of the following causes of hand pain are briefed below:
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS):
The numbness, tingling sensation, or pain caused by a compressed nerve is called carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition occurs when pressure is applied to one of the major nerves of the arm, the median nerve (which carries sensations and activity signals of the arm). A carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist surrounded by carpal bones (tiny bones that make up the wrist). The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel and innervates the thumb, index, middle, and ring finger. Therefore, narrowing of the passage or exertion of abnormal force on the nerve by the swelling of surrounding tissues causes pain. The risk factors for this condition may be hereditary, hand-wrist position, repetitive hand use, and other health conditions. Giving rest to the hand and wrist, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy may provide some relief.
2. Arthritis:
Arthritis is swelling and tenderness of joints that causes pain and stiffness. Arthritis is usually age-related (osteoarthritis - wear and tear of tissues in bones and joints) or autoimmune (rheumatoid arthritis - immune system attacking the joints). The hand and wrist have multiple small bones and joints that work together to bring movements. Therefore, arthritis can occur in many hand areas, causing pain and swelling. Medicines, self-care, and physiotherapy are proposed to treat arthritis.
3. Vitamin D Deficiency:
Vitamin D is a crucial component of bone health. Research suggests that low levels of vitamin D cause muscle and joint pain.
4. De Quervain Tenosynovitis:
De Quervain's tenosynovitis, or tendonitis, is the pain caused in the thumb's tendons (the tissue that connects muscle to bone). The pain may travel through the thumb and extend up to the forearm. The condition resists the thumb and wrist from holding, grasping, or fisting.
5. Ganglionic Cyst:
A small, round, non-cancerous swelling rising in the tendons of the wrist and hand is called ganglionic cysts. The cyst might cause mild pain and weakness in the hand. Such cyst may drain itself or be removed professionally.
6. Raynaud’s Disease:
Raynaud's phenomenon is where smaller arteries constrict excessively, resulting in cold, numbness, and pain in fingers and toes due to cold temperature or stress. The hand may change color in such a situation, and the pain may last from a few minutes to extended hours.
7. Scleroderma:
The stiffness of the skin and other organs due to abnormalities in the immune system, connective tissue, and small blood vessels is called scleroderma. Scleroderma patients have thick, swollen fingers that cause hand stiffness, especially in the mornings.
8. Trigger Finger:
Irritation of the tendon causing the fingers or thumb to bend and lock in the same position is called trigger finger or tenosynovitis. Removing the trigger or pulling the finger may straighten the affected digit.
9. Fracture:
Any fracture of a bone in the hand due to trauma causes extreme pain until the fracture is stabilized and healed. Then, the joints will become stiff and lack free movement.
10. Sprain:
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments (band of elastic tissue around the joints). For example, a wrist or hand sprain may occur when a direct blow is hit hard with an object, sudden fall, or twist on the hand.
How to Diagnose Hand Pain?
A complete patient history and laboratory investigations reveal the cause of hand pain. The following are the tests recommended for diagnosing hand pain.
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Blood Test: The following tests rule out the presence of inflammation in the body:
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ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate).
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CBC (Complete Blood Count).
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CRP (C-reactive Protein).
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RF (Rheumatoid Factor).
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ACPA (Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibody).
Apart from the tests mentioned above, vitamin D and uric acid levels in the blood also contribute to finding the source of hand pain.
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X-Ray: An X-ray is used to visualize the injured hand or wrist for fracture.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI is performed to rule out neuritis (inflammation of the nerve) or sprain.
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CT Scan (Computed Tomography): CT scans can provide detailed information on hard and soft tissue structures.
How to Treat Hand Pain?
Hand pain treatment relies on identifying the cause and treating the condition. Some conservative management includes:
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Medication: NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) reduce joint swelling, stiffness, and pain.
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Rest: Minor injuries, overuse, or stress-related pain resolves with adequate rest.
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Ice Packs: Applying ice packs to the injured area reduces inflammation.
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Heat Therapy: Applying heat loosens stiff joints and soothes the achy muscles.
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Physiotherapy: Physical therapy is recommended to reduce stiffness and improve hand movements.
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Therapeutic Ultrasound: The application of ultrasound to an area increases the blood flow and reduces the tingling and numbness of the hand.
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Surgery: In major fractures, ligament injury, and unresolved carpal tunnel syndromes, surgery is preferred.
When to See a Doctor?
Hand pain can sometimes subside with time or improve with home care remedies. However, some hand pain required medical attention. If the person has the following, then they should consult the doctor,
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Signs of infection and inflammation.
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Deformity of the hand post-injury.
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Unable to bend a finger.
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Severe numbness in the hands and fingers.
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Hand pain that does not get better with time or home care remedies.
Conclusion:
The hand remains a crucial body part for everyday activities so hand pain can be debilitating. Damage to any part of the hand, such as tendons, ligaments, bones, or joints, severely hampers the routine lifestyle. It is advisable to seek a physician’s help if the pain limits the daily work plan. Hand pain can be cured with simple solutions when detected and treated early.
