Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy Possible Causes and Conditions
There are several possible causes for hand pain which can be (but are not limited to) conditions affecting:
Joints of the wrist and hand:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Other specific types of arthritis or systemic diseases (i.e. lupus, psoriatic arthritis)
- Gout
- Fractures
Soft tissues (muscle, tendon, ligaments) of the wrist and hand:
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Stenosing tenosynovitis
- Ganglion Cyst
- Tendon strains from acute injury or chronic repetitive motion disorders
- Ligament sprains from acute injury or chronic repetitive motion disorders
Nerves and blood vessels of the wrist and hand
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Peripheral nerve entrapment
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Reynods
There are also other conditions that can present with pain in the hands but are actually coming from elsewhere which could be (but are not limited to):
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Cervical disc herniations
- Brachial plexus injuries
If you are experiencing chest pain with hand pain contact an emergency clinic to rule out the potential risk of a heart attack.
Types of therapies that are commonly used for the aforementioned conditions can include:
- Physical rehabilitation
- Splinting or casting
- Surgery
- Drug therapies/injections
If you are or have been experiencing hand pain and would like more insight into what is causing it, or have already been diagnosed with one of the aforementioned conditions please feel free to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our providers. During the assessment, we will gather information to assess whether we can make improvements in or resolve your pain and if we can not, we will provide alternative solutions/therapies to aid in the resolution of your symptoms.
About the author
Dr. Eric Dickerson, DC, FRCms
Founder, Sports Chiropractor
As the Founder and Director of Clinical Development at Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, Dr. Eric Dickerson is a dedicated musculoskeletal provider who blends clinical experience with a patient-centered approach. He integrates functional rehabilitation, evidence-based physical rehabilitation modalities, joint manipulation, and advanced manual therapy techniques to craft a comprehensive approach to your health.
More from Dr. Eric Dickerson →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hand pain.
What are the common causes of hand pain?
Hand pain has many possible causes. Common ones include arthritis, where joint cartilage wears down or the immune system attacks the joints (as in rheumatoid arthritis), or where uric acid builds up (gout). Overused tendons can become inflamed and painful. Nerves passing through the wrist can be compressed, as in carpal tunnel syndrome, causing tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness. Injuries and repetitive strain are also frequent culprits.
What does hand arthritis feel like?
Hand arthritis pain may feel like a constant, dull ache in the joints. Some people also feel sudden, sharp, or stabbing pain. Other common signs include stiffness, trouble moving the hands or bending the fingers and thumbs, swelling, redness or discoloration, a feeling of heat or warmth, and grinding, clicking, or popping in the joints. You may be more likely to develop it if you are older than 50, are female, or have relatives with arthritis.
Can overusing my hands cause pain?
Yes. Repetitive motions and constant use of the fingers, thumbs, and wrists can cause a repetitive strain injury. These injuries happen after the body experiences the same kind of stress and strain over time, and any activity you frequently repeat can lead to one. Repeatedly overusing a tendon can also create tiny tears and inflammation. Sports, repeated work motions, and poor posture are common contributors.
When should I see a doctor for hand pain?
Seek prompt medical attention if hand numbness lasts longer than a few hours or comes and goes, since it could signal a more serious problem. It is especially important to get care if hand numbness occurs alongside numbness in other parts of your body, paralysis, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, or loss of bowel or bladder control. If you have chest pain along with hand pain, contact an emergency clinic to rule out a heart attack.
What can I do at home for hand or wrist pain from overuse?
Most repetitive strain injuries can be treated at home. The best approach is to modify or reduce the activity that caused the injury to prevent further damage. Rest the injured area, and you can use the R.I.C.E. steps: rest, ice (a cold compress about 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day), compression with an elastic bandage, and elevation above heart level. Taking frequent breaks and keeping the wrist in a neutral position during repetitive tasks can help.
How does a physical therapist evaluate hand pain?
A physical therapist will thoroughly evaluate your entire arm, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, and take your health history. They ask which activities cause pain or stiffness and how long you have had it, then check range of motion and strength and gently press the wrist and forearm to check for swelling. Treatment may include help identifying and avoiding painful movements, exercises, and short-term use of a wrist brace while tissues heal.
The information on this website is general education about musculoskeletal and movement-related conditions. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis, and it cannot tell you what is causing your symptoms. Reading it is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation, and booking a visit does not confirm that your condition is right for our care until a provider has examined you. This information cannot identify every condition, and some urgent problems can feel like musculoskeletal pain. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, or you are unsure how urgent they are, contact your physician, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. When in doubt, seek emergency care.
