Osteoarthritis
The hands are intricate parts of the human anatomy. They have many small bones, muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments that are called into play many times a day. Hand pain can result when any one of these types of connective tissue is affected. Osteoarthritis, for example, is a condition that targets the joints. With this type of arthritis, the joints deteriorate with age. This causes them to become painful, swollen, red, inflamed and stiff. The hands are one of the primary locations that this condition takes place and some of the risk factors include family history, overuse and past injuries to the joints.
Cramps
Cramps, also sometimes referred to as "spasms," take place when your muscles are overworked, held in a prone position for long periods of time or if you are lacking electrolytes in your system. A common cramp that can be seen in the hand is called a "writer's cramp." As the name implies, when you write for extensive hours, your muscles can lock in a contracted position and cause a painful cramp.
CTS
The median nerve runs down the bottom of the wrist into the center of your hand. The carpal tunnel is a passageway that this nerve runs through. When the median nerve gets compressed from excessive pressure or trauma, it can become irritated and carpal tunnel syndrome can develop, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This causes pain in the wrist and hand that is accompanied with numbness, a tingling sensation and weakness. In some cases, this condition can be so severe that surgery is needed.
Tendonitis
Bones are attached to other bones with strong cords of fibrous tissue called ligaments. Muscles are attached to bones by way of strong, fibrous cords of tissue called tendons. Tendonitis is a condition that takes place when the tendons around the joints have become irritated and inflamed due to excessive use or pressure. This can happen in the hands and cause pain to develop.
Gout
Gout is another type of arthritis, according to health911.com. This condition is due to uric acid, a chemical that normally gets eliminated from the body through urine. But when you have gout, uric acid builds up and forms urate crystals. These crystals then pool up at the joint locations causing pain, swelling and inflammation. This condition normally starts in the big toe, and it can then spread to any joint on the body including the hands.
