Why Does Your Hand Hurt? 6 Common Causes of Hand And Wrist Pain
Your hands are frequently a vital part of your daily routine. Sadly, as with other body parts, the hands and wrists are susceptible to damage and injury. Anybody who has sprained a wrist or jammed a finger understands how uncomfortable and disruptive these injuries can be. Jersey City hand and wrist pain could affect anybody, whether you are a caregiver, a high-performance athlete, or an office worker. Although treatment is crucial, identifying the causes can inform you how to manage them. Read on to learn more.
1. Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint condition that gradually degenerates the protective cartilage in the joints. This disorder is one of the most prevalent reasons for hand and wrist pain. While osteoarthritis often affects older adults, it could also happen in younger individuals because of cumulative injury from overusing the hands and wrists.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes joint discomfort, inflammation, and deformity. This condition initially affects the tiny joint of the hands and feet. As the symptoms progress, the disorder can spread to other bodily joints like the shoulder and knee joint. Besides, rheumatoid arthritis also impacts other body structures outside the joint, like the heart, skin, and eye.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
CTS is a prevalent disorder of the hands and wrist that impacts millions of Americans. The increased pressure in the carpal tunnel leads to changes that ultimately result in symptoms of pain, weakness, and numbness in the hands and wrist. The precise cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is unclear, but it is thought to be a combination of various factors, including medical, genetic, demographic, and social factors.
3. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a condition that causes swelling and irritation of the tendons outside the thumb. This concern stems from repetitive or acute tendon trauma that leads to swelling, inflammation, and thickening.
Repetitive movements, such as lifting, playing an instrument, or using a handheld device, could cause this issue. Common symptoms include swelling, discomfort, and restricted wrist and thumb motion.
4. Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a tiny fluid sac that develops over a tendon or joint. These cysts generally develop on the backs of the hands or wrists. It could stem from trauma or repetitive movements that disintegrate the tendon or joint tissue, forming cysts. Often, ganglion cysts present as soft, tiny, painless lumps. Occasionally, these cysts could be uncomfortable and restrict movement in the hand or wrist.
5. Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy happens once the peripheral nerves get damaged, often because of an injury, infection, or other chronic concerns like diabetes. Typical signs of peripheral neuropathy include pain, numbness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in the feet and hands.
6. Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, often known as stenosing tenosynovitis, happens once the tendons that control the motion of the thumb and fingers become swollen and irritated. This condition can cause a painful sensation of fingers catching and locking. In serious cases, the fingers might remain stuck in a bent position.
You do not have to live in pain! Identifying the causes of hand and wrist pain could help you find a diagnosis or even prevent the pain altogether. Everybody is unique; thus, finding the best therapy that fits your situation is vital. If you experience any of the symptoms highlighted above, consult your physician. There are numerous effective therapies for treating hand and wrist pain, including medications, rest, wearing a splint, and corticosteroid injections. If these conservative treatments fail, your physician may also suggest surgery to address the underlying cause of pain.