We rely on our hands to do almost everything, which is why we tend to overuse them. Overusing and doing repetitive motions with our hands can eventually cause pain.
Hand pain usually goes away on its own; it can be alleviated with rest and home remedies. However, there are instances when it can persist. Such may signify an underlying health problem, hence the need for medical attention.
Let’s talk about the common causes of hand pain—and associated discomforts—and when you should seek treatment for it.
Constant Hand Pain and Stiffness
Grasping, holding, and gripping objects are crucial functions of your hand. Pain associated with any of these functions may indicate a problem. The following conditions cause not only pain but also stiffness or weakness when moving your hands, which may warrant medical assistance and treatment.
· Arthritis
Among the most common symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and progressive—sometimes—severe pain in the joints in your hands.
· Trigger Finger
This is a condition characterized by stiffness and locking of your fingers, causing them to get stuck in a bent position. Your finger may either bend or straighten with a snap, similar to when you pull and release a trigger, thus its name.
· Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
This is a condition in which the median nerve—the main nerve of your hand—is pinched, causing difficulties with grasping and gripping. CTS is a result of constant hand use and repetitive movements.
· Hand and Wrist Tendonitis
This condition can produce symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, or grinding sensation, making general hand movements difficult.
Hand Pain, Inflammation, and Swelling
Hand inflammation and swelling have various causes, among which are the following:
· Gout/ osteoarthritis
· Physical trauma and overuse
· Cuts and scrapes (may lead to a bacterial infection that can cause swelling of various parts of your hand)
If your hand is inflamed and you feel pain, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly, hand therapy to provide relief.
Hand Pain Caused by Fractures
Using your hands all the time can make them susceptible to injuries. The bones within your hands may fracture if you use them to protect yourself from a bad fall or from a blow. Engaging in high-intensity activities and contact sports can put you at risk of hand fractures.
If you have recently had an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention to check for fractures and other possible hand injuries.
Highly Qualified Hand Doctors In North Dakota
Hand pain has a variety of possible causes. While you don’t usually need to worry, it would be best to seek medical attention to ensure that your pain isn’t a precursor to a serious problem.
At The Bone & Joint Center, our board-certified bone and joint specialists have decades of experience in diagnosing and treating a full spectrum of conditions and injuries affecting the hands, wrists, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. We can help you determine the exact cause of your hand pain and recommend the right treatment plan for you.
At The Bone & Joint Center, we take pride in our expertise, compassionate approach, and state-of-the-art technology, all of which are crucial for achieving our goal, which is to deliver exceptional results and the best patient experience.
If you want to schedule an appointment, call us at (800) 424-2663 or fill out this online request form now. We have several locations across North Dakota from which we can serve you.
