Pain in your hand can be more than bothersome; when it becomes a fact of your daily life and interrupts some of your daily responsibilities, hand pain goes from being a small annoyance to a big problem. Talk to your doctor about the exact location and severity of your hand pain in order to discern what is causing your pain. You doctor or physical therapist can also suggest a number of techniques that can help you manage your hand pain and keep it at bay.
Step 1
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever when you feel a flare-up coming on or you're participating in activities that you know will cause your hand to hurt. Pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen work to relieve the swelling that can sometimes accompany hand pain, while dulling the pain receptors in the hand so you can function properly.
Step 2
Stretch your hands and exercise your wrists to help relieve the pain associated with repetitive movements or pressure on the carpal tunnel. This often occurs when you've been typing at your computer or operating vibrating machinery for long periods of time. Make a point to take frequent breaks. Stretch your hands by extending your arms in front of you with your palms pressed outward. Use the fingers of one hand to gently press the fingers of the other back toward the top of the wrist. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other hand.
Step 3
Apply ice to the affected area to help numb the pain. Fill a plastic bag with ice and apply to your aching hands. Ice for 10 to 20 minutes, then use a heat sock to help soothe away hand pain.
Step 4
Wear a brace to stabilize your wrist and hand if you experience constant injury and aggravation. Wearing a brace while you type or perform other hand activities can help keep your hand in the proper position to help you avoid pain before it has a chance to disrupt your day.
Tips and Warnings
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about your hand pain, especially if it's recurring. Hand pain can be the result of several conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, osteoarthritis and ganglion cysts. Explain the severity of your pain, as well as where and how often it occurs.
- OTC pain relievers are not a long-term solution, so make sure not to take them on a regular basis as a substitute for seeing a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Pain relievers
- Heat sock
- Brace
