Hand pain why

Each finger has three bones, and the thumb has two. There are five bones in the palm of your hand, connecting each finger and the thumb with the wrist. There are more than 30 muscles that control the hand and wrist.

These are in your hands, wrists and forearms. Muscles are attached to bones by tendons. These are small but very tough pieces of connective tissue. Tendons pass through a bony passage in your wrist, known as the carpal tunnel. The median nerve also passes through this tunnel. Try to avoid tasks that are causing the pain or making it worse. This may be anything that has a repetitive nature, such as using a screwdriver, painting or lifting heavy objects.

You might be able to change the way you do some tasks to take the strain off your hands and wrists. These include painkillers such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , like ibuprofen. Or, there are tablets you can swallow. Be careful not to take too much by combining gels and tablets, as both get into your blood stream. With any medication you should always read the information that comes with it, particularly about dosages.

If you have any questions or concerns talk to a GP or pharmacist. Putting an ice pack on your hands and wrists can reduce swelling and ease pain.

You could use a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Never put ice directly on your skin, as this can burn or irritate it. You can apply ice for up to 20 minutes several times a day. If your hands are painful and stiff, applying heat could help. There are products such as wheat bags you can buy from chemists that you heat in a microwave. You might need to place a cloth or tea towel on your skin to avoid burning it. Putting your hand and wrist on a hot water bottle with the cover on, or having a warm bath or shower may also provide some relief.

Moving your hand around in a bowl of warm water can be helpful and soothing. Wax baths are another form of heat therapy that can relieve pain and stiffness. Ask your GP, a pharmacist or a hand therapist where you can buy one, and for advice on how to use them. Switching between heat and ice therapy throughout the day may help. Ice reduces blood flow, which can help with pain and swelling.

Heat increases blood flow, which can help if your hands are stiff and the muscles are tired. Heat can also help damaged soft tissue to heal. Wearing splints can provide support to the hand and wrist. A hand therapist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist can give you advice on whether a splint could help, which type would be good for you and how to use it properly.

Moving your hands, wrists and fingers as much as possible can help ease pain and stiffness. This will also maintain range of movement, function and strength. It achieves this by narrowing the blood vessels. Blood vessels in the hands can narrow much faster and tighter than normal. This primarily means keeping hands and feet warm in cold temperatures with gloves, socks , boots, and chemical heaters.

Trigger finger , also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful condition that occurs when your finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position. When you move your fingers, your tendons slide through tunnels called tendon sheaths. When these tunnels swell, the tendon can no longer slide through, and it gets stuck.

If you have trigger finger, you may feel a tender bump and heat on the top of your palm, at the base of your finger, where the tendon sheath is located. Other symptoms include:.

Hand injuries are extremely common. The complex structure of the hand is delicate and vulnerable. Your hands are constantly exposed to danger. Hand injuries are common in sports, construction, and falls. There are 27 small bones in each hand that can be broken in a number of different ways. Fractures in the hand can heal poorly when not treated properly. A poorly healed fracture can permanently change the structure and dexterity of your hand. There are also muscles in the hand that can be sprained or strained.

Always go to your doctor for an X-ray to ensure there are no fractures. Physical or occupational therapy is an essential component of treating any serious hand injury.

Treatments for fractures and sprains will vary depending on the type and location of the injury. Splinting is a common treatment option. There are many different causes of hand pain. Generally, you should see your doctor when you have any new pain or when pain suddenly worsens. Some hand problems develop gradually. Talk to your doctor if gradually worsening pain has been bothering you for some time.

In the event of a traumatic injury, go to your local emergency room or critical care center for an X-ray. You can connect with a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool. Having carpal tunnel syndrome doesn't have to be a pain. Two major problems associated with tendons include tendonitis and tenosynovitis. Tendonitis, inflammation of a tendon the tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones can affect any tendon, but is most commonly seen in the wrist and fingers.

When the tendons become irritated, swelling, pain, and discomfort will occur. Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheaths which enclose the tendons. The tendon sheath is usually the site which becomes inflamed, but both the sheath and the tendon can become inflamed simultaneously.

The cause of tenosynovitis is often unknown, but usually strain, overuse, injury, or excessive exercise may be implicated. Tendonitis may also be related to disease such as, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Lateral epicondylitis commonly known as tennis elbow. A condition characterized by pain in the back side of the elbow and forearm, along the thumb side when the arm is alongside the body with the thumb turned away.

The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist backward away from the palm. Medial epicondylitis commonly known as golfer's or baseball elbow. A condition characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the palm side of the forearm. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. Rotator cuff tendonitis. A shoulder disorder characterized by the inflammation of the shoulder capsule and related tendons.

DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. The most common type of tenosynovitis disorder characterized by the tendon sheath swelling in the tendons of the thumb. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. There are 3 major types of bones in the hand itself, including: Phalanges. Metacarpal bones. The 5 bones that compose the middle part of the hand. They range from injuries and overuse to degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

Tennis elbow is a repetitive strain injury in the forearm. A person can usually treat it at home with rest and over-the-counter medication. Included is detail on symptoms and exercises for the condition. Extensor tendons connect muscle to bone and are located just under the skin.

They are poorly protected by fat and therefore prone to injury. This MNT…. What can cause pain in the hand or wrist? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Hand injuries Overuse Ganglion cyst Trigger finger Scleroderma Raynaud's phenomenon Arthritis Carpal tunnel syndrome Osteoporosis When to see a doctor Home remedies Summary Hand pain is often the result of a recent injury or from overusing the hand or wrist.

Hand injuries. Share on Pinterest Causes of hand injuries can include knocks, blows, jamming a finger, and repetitive strain. Ganglion cyst. Trigger finger. Share on Pinterest Trigger finger can make it difficult to move the affected finger or thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest A person should see a doctor if their hand pain does not get better with home treatment. Home remedies. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

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