Hand pain is a common complaint. Even though all pain emanates from nerves, often a patient will describe his hand pain as originating in the muscles of the fingers or hand. The pain, more than likely, is not from the muscle proper but from another underlying condition
Basic Physiology
Pain sensations are carried by nerve fibers located in all tissues. If a tissue is irritated or damaged, the associated nerve fiber uses pain as the mechanism to bring the brain's attention to that area. Hand muscle pain may originate in the muscle itself, or in adjacent tissues. Furthermore, when a nerve is irritated anywhere along its length, it can feel as though the nerve is irritated or damaged at its origin. For example, excessive pressure on your funny bone causes compression of the ulnar nerve in your elbow, yet the sensations feel as if they are coming from the fingers. Therefore, it is important to understand that pain may seem to emanate from one area but actually may emanate from another.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a dysfunction in the wrist. It results from compression of the median nerve inside the wrist's carpal tunnel. It can present a patient with pain in the palm or finger muscle areas but in reality, the pain emanates from compressing the median nerve higher up the nerve's length, in the wrist. The pain is alleviated by decompressing the nerve, according to "American Family Physician."
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury of the hand affects both the muscles and the tendons. The pain is a result of repeatedly performing the same hand and finger motions. This stresses the tissues and causes pain. Tendonitis is the most common result of repetitive strain and often feels as though the muscles of the fingers and hand are painful and swollen.
Sprains and Fractures
A sprain occurs when ligaments, which hold bones together, are ruptured at the microscopic level. The result can be painful and appear as though the adjacent muscle is involved. It may hurt to move the sprained joint, further mimicking muscle pain. The Family Doctor website says a bone fracture, or break, can be very minor yet elicit extreme pain. Fractures are almost always accompanied with swelling, where the pain and swelling appear as though a muscle is involved. X-rays can easily confirm fractures.
Infections
As with any tissue, muscles can become infected if bacteria are given the opportunity to invade. Although uncommon, muscle infections can be quite painful. Fortunately, such infections are easily treated with oral antibiotics, says the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of hand pain that usually is described as aching muscles. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form in the hand. It is caused by the body's immune system attacking itself. The Mayo Clinic says there are many effective treatments for arthritis.
Peripheral Neuropathy
A peripheral neuropathy can affect one or more nerves. There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathies, and they can occur in the nerve fiber itself or at the junction of the nerve and muscle tissue. A neuropathy can feel as though the muscle is painful or tender. On occasion, a neuropathy can be a symptom of another disorder.
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
- Ohio State Univ. Medical Center: Hand Pain & Problems
- NIH: Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet
