HAND PAIN

Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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

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

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