What are the causes of pain in the palm of the hand? What are the treatment options for hand injuries and conditions affecting the palm? When should you see a doctor for a hand injury?

Hand Injuries: Common Causes and Symptoms

Injuries to the hand are a frequent cause of pain and discomfort, particularly for those who regularly use heavy equipment, play sports, or work in hazardous environments. These injuries can damage key structures in the hand, including nerves, tendons, and muscles. Some common examples of hand injuries that may lead to palm pain include:

• Knocks, blows, and forceful impacts, such as from dropping something heavy on the hand
• Falling on the hand
• Burns, such as from a cooking injury
• Cuts to the palm
• Insect bites or stings
• Overuse or overextension of the hand, as during sports or repetitive tasks

Symptoms of a hand injury may include bruising, swelling, stiffness, and in more severe cases, damage to the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.

Home Treatment for Mild Hand Injuries

For mild hand injuries, home treatment options can include:

• Resting the hand as much as possible
• Applying ice to the injured area for up to 20 minutes at a time
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

However, for more severe injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. Individuals should also see a doctor if a hand injury worsens or does not seem to be improving.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the carpal tunnel in the wrist becomes compressed or inflamed, putting pressure on the median nerve and tendons that run through it. Symptoms can include:

• Pain in the wrist, palm, and fingers
• Numbness or tingling in the palm and fingers
• Weakness in the hand or reduced ability to grip objects

Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include hand and wrist injuries, repetitive hand tasks, pregnancy, diabetes, and a family history of the condition. Treatment options can include:

• Wearing a brace or splint
• Avoiding or adjusting activities that aggravate symptoms
• Taking over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
• Trying yoga, acupuncture, or chiropractic therapies
• Undergoing surgery to reduce pressure on the median nerve (for severe or difficult-to-treat cases)

Infections and Wound Complications

If a cut or wound on the palm becomes infected, it can lead to pain, swelling, and other concerning symptoms, such as:

• Pus or drainage
• Redness around the area
• Warmth in the surrounding skin
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

It is crucial for individuals with signs of a wound infection to seek medical treatment, as infections can lead to serious complications like cellulitis, abscesses, and sepsis. Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics and may need to surgically drain the affected area in severe cases.

Peripheral Neuropathy and Hand Pain

Peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves in the body’s extremities, can also cause pain, burning, tingling, numbness, and difficulty using the hands. Common causes include:

• Diabetes
• Physical injuries
• Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Conditions that decrease oxygen supply to peripheral nerves, such as atherosclerosis and vasculitis
• Nutritional imbalances, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Infections that attack nerve tissues
• Excessive alcohol intake

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy typically begins with addressing the underlying cause, such as managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Doctors may also prescribe medications to help relieve pain, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and skin creams.

When to See a Doctor for Hand Pain

Individuals should seek medical attention for hand injuries or conditions that result in severe pain, significant swelling or bruising, an inability to move the hand or fingers, or signs of infection. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

Other Potential Causes of Palm Pain

In addition to the conditions mentioned, other potential causes of pain in the palm of the hand can include:

• Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels
• Arthritis, which can affect the small joints in the hands
• Ganglion cysts, fluid-filled lumps that develop on the hands or wrists
• Tenosynovitis, an inflammation of the tendon sheath

If palm pain persists or worsens, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.