Hand Pain

Hand Anatomy

The hand is composed of nerves, bones, blood vessels, muscles, tendons and skin. Each part has its specific function: nerves transfer sensation, joints allow movements, blood vessels maintain circulation, muscles provide motion and strength, tendons anchor the muscles to the bones, and skin provides protection. 

Hand Injuries 

Injury or inflammation of any of these structures due to a disorder or disease may produce hand pain. Even compression of the nerves supplying these structures may cause hand pain. 

Characteristics of Hand Pain

Hand pain is characterized by distress in the joints and tissues of the hand or fingers. Hand pain can be depicted as pulsating, aching, increased warmth, prickling, irritation and inflexibility. 

Causes

The conditions and disorders that frequently play a role in hand pain include:

• Accidental injury and trauma
• Fracture
• Nerve compression
• Tenosynovitis
• Strains in muscles and ligaments
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy
• Tedious lifting, twisting or gripping

 

Treatment for Hand Pain

Hand pain can be treated normally by resting the hand, medications, bracing, heat or ice application, compression, stretching and strengthening exercises, and by treating the underlying cause or condition. In cases of chronic hand pain unresponsive to conservative treatment measures, hand surgery may be recommended.