Hand pain is an extremely common complaint. Because the hand is a complex mechanical structure with varying tissue types, the kinds of dysfunctions pain symptoms can indicate are numerous. However, the most common reasons for hand pain represent a list of pathologies in which pain may be only one of the symptoms. Having a good overview of the symptoms is the primary step in treating the underlying condition.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pain in the hand can be the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is caused by tendons and other tissues compressing the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Certain hand activities bring this on, and occupations such as assembly line and secretarial work are especially at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain symptoms are distributed to the fingers of the hand but not the little finger. The pain can take almost any form, and usually is accompanied by tingling or numbness.
Tendinitis
Hand pain may be a sign of tendinitis, which is a pathology of the tendons in the forearm, wrist and hand. The resulting inflammation of the tendon and its sheath can produce pain in the hand or anywhere along the tendon's length. Tendinitis pain in the hand is commonly attributed to repetitive hand stresses, such as typing or athletic activities including golf and tennis. The pain also is more pronounced when the hand moves, and may be tender to the touch.
Sprains
Sprains in the hand are common and capable of producing severe pain. A sprain occurs when ligaments in the hand and wrist are suddenly stretched beyond their normal limits. This causes small rips in the ligaments with very painful consequences. Almost any part of the hand, wrist and fingers can be sprained. Movement of the sprained area is painful, and sometimes mild swelling occurs. The pain from a sprained finger or hand will dissipate with time and immobilization.
Fractures
Fractures are breaks in a bone. The fractures can be minor cracks or complex breaks that involve bone separation and fragmentation. The latter can produce severe secondary injuries, such as severing adjacent nerves or blood vessels. Fractures almost always result in swelling in addition to the pain. A fracture is easily diagnosed using X-rays. Depending on the extent of the fracture, it will most likely heal completely after the hand is immobilized.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the major causes of hand pain. In the hand, rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It's a result of the body's immune system attacking its own tissues. The resulting pain can be confined to single joints or the entire hand. Left untreated, arthritis can be debilitating--but a number of treatments are available.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts can be painful protrusions of fluid-filled compartments inside joints and tendon sheaths in the hand. Sometimes they can be nearly painless but most of the time are painful, especially to the touch. Ganglion cysts are benign and do not spread. However, they may expand and become larger. Sometimes they can spontaneously resolve, or they can be aspirated or surgically removed by a doctor.
DeQuervain's Syndrome
DeQuervain's syndrome is an inflammation of the tendon sheaths that control thumb movement. This condition produces pain and swelling at the base of the thumb. Gripping objects becomes difficult and painful, and it can be treated surgically or non-surgically.
References
- "American Family Physician"; A Clinical Approach to Diagnosing Wrist Pain; T. Foreman, et.al.; November 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Wrist Pain - Causes
- FamilyDoctor.org Hand/Wrist/Arm Problems
- DeQuervain's tenosynovitis
