When should I be concerned about hand pain?

What causes hand pain?

Hand pain can be caused by a variety of conditions including injuries, overuse, arthritis, nerve compression, infections, and underlying medical conditions. Some common causes of hand pain include:

• Sprains or strains from injuries
• Tendonitis from repetitive motions
• Carpal tunnel syndrome from compression of the median nerve
• Trigger finger from inflammation of the tendons
• Arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout
• Fractures, dislocations, or trauma from accidents
• Infections
• Underlying conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases

When should I see a doctor for hand pain?

You should see a doctor for hand pain if:

• The pain came on suddenly or is severe
• Your hand is visibly swollen or deformed
• You have numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand
• The pain interferes with your daily activities
• Home treatments haven’t helped relieve the pain
• You have other symptoms like fever, redness, or warm skin suggesting an infection

Seeking prompt medical care is especially important if the hand pain resulted from a significant injury like a fall or accident. Severe injuries can cause fractures, tendon/ligament tears, or nerve damage. Leaving these untreated can result in permanent disability.

For more chronic or gradual onset hand pain, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor if the pain persists for more than a few days to determine the underlying cause.

What are some symptoms that would prompt me to see a doctor immediately?

You should seek emergency medical care right away if you experience:

• Sudden, severe hand pain
• Inability to move or use the hand normally
• Visible deformity, such as a finger bending in an unusual direction
• Significant swelling of the hand or wrist
• Fingers or hand looking blue or pale
• Numbness or tingling accompanied by weakness
• Bleeding that cannot be stopped

These can all indicate a serious injury like a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain. Prompt treatment is needed to properly realign any displaced bones, stop bleeding, and assess nerve function. Delaying care could result in permanent loss of function.

What types of doctors treat hand pain?

Several types of doctors may be involved in treating hand pain depending on the underlying cause:

• Primary care physician – Can diagnose and initially treat many common hand conditions like strains, tendonitis, arthritis, and nerve compression.
• Orthopedic surgeon – Treats injuries like fractures and dislocations, performs surgery for carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome.
• Rheumatologist – Diagnoses and treats arthritis and autoimmune conditions affecting the hands.
• Neurologist -Addresses nerve disorders like peripheral neuropathy or pinched nerves.
• Infectious disease specialist – Treats infections affecting the hand.
• Physical or occupational therapist – Help restore hand function and provide non-surgical treatments.

Your doctor can refer you to the appropriate specialist based on their evaluation of your symptoms and examination findings.

What tests are done to diagnose hand pain?

The tests used to diagnose the cause of hand pain can include:

• Medical history – Questions about symptoms, onset, injury, risk factors, and other health conditions.
• Physical exam – Testing range of motion, strength, sensation.
• X-rays – Images to evaluate bones for fractures, arthritis, or dislocations.
• MRI – Provides detailed images of soft tissues like nerves, tendons, ligaments.
• CT scan – Gives images of bones and joints.
• Nerve conduction study -Measures how well nerves transmit signals for conditions like carpal tunnel.
• Blood tests – Help diagnose infections, arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.

Not every patient requires all tests. Your doctor will select appropriate tests based on the likely causes suggested by your symptoms.

What are some common treatments for hand pain?

Treatments for hand pain depend on the underlying cause but can include:

• Rest – Avoiding activities that aggravate pain.
• Ice/heat – Applying ice packs or heating pads to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Pain medication – Over-the-counter medicines like NSAIDs or prescription medications.
• Bracing or splinting – Supporting the joint or immobilizing to allow healing.
• Physical/occupational therapy – Exercises and modalities to restore flexibility, strength, function.
• Injections – Steroid injections to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel.
• Surgery – For trauma, significant nerve compression, joint problems unresponsive to other treatments.

The right treatment depends on having an accurate diagnosis, which your doctor can determine through a thorough evaluation.

What self-care tips may help relieve hand pain?

Some self-care measures that can help provide relief for hand pain include:

• Rest the hand from repetitive tasks or sports that aggravate pain.
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times per day to reduce swelling or inflammation.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen as needed.
• Wear a wrist or hand brace to immobilize and support the joint.
• Do gentle range of motion exercises to keep the joints flexible.
• Consider trying hot/cold contrast therapy by alternating hot and cold compresses.
• Keep the hands warm in cold weather to prevent stiffness and aching.
• Use proper ergonomics and take frequent breaks when performing repetitive tasks.

See your doctor if home care strategies do not relieve the pain within a few days. Proper treatment from a medical professional can help resolve many causes of hand pain and restore optimal function.

When is surgery recommended for hand pain?

Surgery may be recommended for hand pain in the following situations:

• Significant trauma like fractures, torn ligaments, or tendons that won’t heal without repair.
• Advanced arthritis causing severe joint destruction and dysfunction not responsive to other treatments.
• Carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome that does not improve with conservative treatment.
• Severely compressed nerves causing muscle weakness or loss of function.
• Infection that requires drainage or debridement of infected/damaged tissue.
• Growths, cysts, or tumors that need excision.
• Deformities like trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contractures, or ganglion cysts limiting hand function.

The risks and benefits of surgery will depend on your specific condition. Your doctor will discuss if surgery is appropriate based on the degree of pain, impairment, results of diagnostic tests, and response to initial treatments. Input from specialists like an orthopedic hand surgeon can help determine if surgery is the best option.

What are some things I can do to prevent hand pain?

Some preventive tips to help avoid hand pain include:

• Warm up hands properly before sports or strenuous activity.
• Use proper form and technique when performing repetitive gripping motions.
• Take frequent breaks during tasks that require prolonged gripping or wrist use.
• Avoid positions that compress nerves like leaning on elbows.
• Treat medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and thyroid disorders.
• Do hand, wrist, and finger flexibility and strengthening exercises.
• Use ergonomic equipment and proper wrist position when typing.
• Lift objects with palm up to avoid extra pressure on fingers.
• Wear protective gloves for manual tasks involving chemicals, vibration, or cold.

Developing strong, flexible hands and using proper biomechanics can help prevent many common injuries and overuse issues. Getting appropriate treatment promptly can help resolve hand pain and prevent prolonged disability.

Conclusion

Hand pain can significantly impact your daily life and ability to perform activities. While occasional mild aches may resolve with self-care, worsening or persistent hand pain should be evaluated by your doctor. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of underlying medical issues can often minimize permanent damage and disability. Pay attention to your symptoms and don’t delay seeking medical care if you have persistent, recurrent or worsening hand pain, especially if accompanied by loss of function. With appropriate treatment, most causes of hand pain can be effectively managed or cured, allowing you to get back to using your hands comfortably.