What Are The Common Causes For Hand And Wrist Pain?

Human hands are intricate and delicate structures with 27 bones. Hand muscles and joints allow for powerful, precise, and dexterous movements, yet they are prone to damage. Most cases of hand and wrist discomfort aren’t indicative of a significant or long-term condition, and they’ll go away in a few days or weeks with some easy self-care at home.

A variety of illnesses, including arthritis, can produce pain or other symptoms in the hands and wrists.

Some Common Causes of Hand and Wrist Pain

1. Arthritis

The most common cause of hand pain is arthritis (inflammation of one or more joints). It can affect any region of the body, but it is most frequent in the hands and wrists. There are about 100 different forms of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most frequent.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that primarily affects people in their forties and fifties. Hand joints are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear over time. Articular cartilage is a slick tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows them to move freely. It’s possible that when it gets lower, painful symptoms will start to occur.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that can affect various sections of the body. It causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. It usually starts in the hands or feet, and it affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Learn how to relieve arthritis pain naturally.

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, carpal tunnel syndrome develops. Tingling, numbness, and pain, primarily in the hand and fingers, might result. Similar symptoms might also occur in the wrist and forearm. Symptoms are frequently severe at night.

If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be relieved in a matter of weeks or months. A splint or steroid injection may be beneficial. If the symptoms persist, a little procedure to release pressure in the carpal tunnel may be necessary.

3. De Quervain’s Tendinitis

De Quervain’s tendinosis is another name for this condition. It creates pain on the wrist’s thumb side. The discomfort could come on gradually or unexpectedly. It can travel up the forearm and the length of the thumb.

De Quervain’s tendinitis can cause discomfort in the following areas:

• Make a fist
• Grasp or hold objects
• Turn your wrist

The irritation or inflammation of the wrist tendons at the base of the thumb causes the pain. De Quervain’s is frequently caused by repetitive tasks and overuse. It can be contracted by new mothers by holding their newborn in an uncomfortable position. Wrist fractures can also increase your risk of developing de Quervain’s disease.

4. Ganglion cysts

Wrist and hand ganglion cysts are not usually painful, although they can be unattractive. They usually manifest as a big mass or lump protruding from the rear of the wrist. They can also show up on the underside of the wrist, the end joint of the finger, or the base of the finger in various sizes.

These cysts are fluid-filled and can appear, vanish, or change size quickly. You may suffer pain, tingling, or numbness around the wrist or hand if your ganglion cyst grows large enough to put pressure on adjacent nerves. Ganglion cysts are frequently left untreated. The cyst can be reduced in size with rest and splinting, and it may eventually disappear. If the cyst is causing you pain, your doctor may decide to drain the fluid or remove it totally.

5. Trigger Finger

This is referred to as stenosing tenosynovitis by doctors. It causes the thumb or fingers to lock in a bent position. It’s particularly uncomfortable when you bend or straighten the affected finger or thumb.

When the flexor tendons, which regulate the movements of the fingers and thumb, get inflamed, the condition develops. They may thicken within the tendon sheath that covers the flexor tendons as a result of this.

On the afflicted tendons, nodules may occur. It’s possible that the sheath will thicken as well. All of this makes it difficult for the tendons to move freely. When you try to straighten a bent finger or thumb, the tendon may become caught. When the finger or thumb locks in place, you may feel a catching sensation, followed by a pop as the tendon is freed.

6. Raynaud’s phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which the blood supply to the body’s extremities, notably the fingers, is reduced. It can happen when it’s cold outside or when you’re in a stressful scenario. It can also happen when you use hand-held vibrating tools.

The color of the fingers can change during a Raynaud’s attack. They may turn white or appear waxy at first. They can then turn blue, and in extreme cases, purple or black. When the blood rushes back, they may turn red and become unpleasant, tingling, and numb.

In cold weather, being warm can help lower the risk of Raynaud’s disease. Several layers of clothes, as well as a cap, scarf, and gloves, will be beneficial. Hand warmers, whether reusable or disposable, and warming gloves can be useful.

7. Traumatic injury

Hand injuries are a very regular occurrence. The hand’s intricate anatomy is delicate and vulnerable. Your hands are continually in jeopardy. Sports, construction, and falls are all typical causes of hand injuries.

Each hand contains 27 tiny bones that can be fractured in a variety of ways. When hand fractures are not treated appropriately, they might heal badly. A poorly healed fracture might permanently alter your hand’s anatomy and dexterity.

Sprained or strained muscles in the hand are also possible. Always get an X-ray from your doctor to be sure there are no fractures. Physical or occupational therapy is an important part of the recovery process for any major hand injury.

8. Dupuytren’s contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture causes the fingers to bend inwards towards the palm of the hand. It is produced by the thickening of tissues in the palms of the hands, which pulls the fingers towards the palm.

This ailment is usually minor and does not necessitate treatment. Men in their forties and fifties are more likely to have it. Some heavy, repetitive occupations, such as those involved in mining, are thought to raise the risk of Dupuytren’s disease.

Are You Looking for Relief From Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain? 

Pace Physical Therapy in San Jose, California specializes in non-surgical neck pain relief and recovery therapies.  We pride ourselves on offering the best possible physical therapy available and going above and beyond for our patients. Our highly experienced physical therapist will work with you to improve your function and relieve your pain. We start by assessing the body as a whole. Oftentimes the cause of pain or an injury extends far beyond just the body part or muscle hurting. Without taking a comprehensive look at your entire self, we would be doing you a disservice in fully helping you heal and preventing future limitations. We then move on to fixing your areas of limitation.  Don’t let your quality of life be diminished by elbow, wrist, or hand pain any longer! If you are looking for a San Jose, CA physical therapist, contact Pace Physical Therapy today to make an appointment and meet with one of our committed team members. We would be delighted to get you back to the safe and physically active life that you deserve! Contact us today to schedule your appointment!