If you are one of the many people who suffer from hand pain, you know how frustrating it can be, as you use your hands heavily throughout the day. The good news is that there are some things you can do to relieve the pain.
In this article, we give you 5 tips for relieving hand pain.
1. Rest Your Hand
If you have a job that requires repetitive motions with your hands, take frequent breaks to give them a rest. If you can, take some time off and focus on your hand’s recovery. Try to ask someone else to do things around the house and simply give your hands relief from all the work they do. You could have an overuse injury that requires ample rest for relief.
2. Use Cold Therapy
Applying an ice pack to relieve hand pain is almost always a good option. The cooling effect can be great for pain relief. It can also do wonders in reducing swelling and inflammation. The general rule is to apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time several times per day.
3. Take Over-The-Counter Anti-inflammatory Medication
As long as they do not interact with your current medications, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory can help ease symptoms of hand pain. However, this is not a long-term treatment and the use of this type of medication should be limited to a few days. If your symptoms do not subside, it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor.
4. Wear A Splint or Wrist Support
These devices can be very beneficial when performing activities that put stress on your hands. For instance, if you have to type on acomputer, wear a wrist splint for support and keep your wrist stabilized. Wrist splints help minimize discomfort and prevent pain from developing when doing certain activities. They are often prescribed for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. Do Hand Exercises
Light hand exercises are really useful and effective at relieving hand pain and improving circulation in the hands. Here are some easy exercises you can do:
- One simple exercise is to make a fist and then open it as wide as you can. Repeat this 10 times. This helps stretch the muscles and tendons in your hand and wrist.
- Another helpful exercise is to hold your hand out in front of you with your palm up. Using your other hand, slowly bend each finger down toward your palm, then back up again. Do this 10 times for each finger. This stretches the ligaments in your fingers and improves blood circulation in your hands.
- Place a rubber band around all four fingers of one hand (excluding the thumb), keeping it snug but not too tight (enough to slide a finger under the band comfortably). Spread your fingers against the resistance of the rubber band until it becomes difficult to move them any further apart. Hold for two seconds before releasing them back into starting position. Repeat at least 15 times per set, and try to do two to three sets per day.
If hand pain has become a chronic issue, it is always best to consult with an orthopedic doctor who is highly experienced in treating hand pain.
Hand Pain Treatment in Bismarck, ND
The board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at The Bone & Joint Center can find out the cause of your hand pain and treat it very effectively. We are a recognized leader in North Dakota for the treatment of upper extremity conditions, and we always provide comprehensive care to every patient. Achieving lasting relief is our top priority.
To schedule an appointment with one of our hand and wrist surgeons, call our office today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650, or use our convenient online request form.
