What are the main causes of arm and hand pain. How can repetitive motions lead to discomfort. What role does aging play in joint pain. Can neck issues cause arm pain. How do injuries impact arm and hand health. What treatments are available for arm and hand pain.

Understanding the Origins of Arm and Hand Pain

Arm and hand pain can arise from various sources, often catching individuals off guard when no apparent injury has occurred. The complexity of these body parts, with their intricate network of muscles, tendons, and nerves, makes them susceptible to a range of issues. Recognizing the underlying causes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

The Impact of Daily Activities on Arm and Hand Health

Our arms and hands are integral to countless daily activities, from typing on a keyboard to carrying groceries. This constant use can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain, especially when certain motions are repeated frequently. Understanding how our daily habits affect our arm and hand health is the first step in preventing and addressing pain issues.

Repetitive Motion: A Common Culprit in Arm and Hand Pain

Repetitive motions are a significant contributor to arm and hand pain. These actions, when performed consistently over time, can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to various conditions.

Tendonitis: Inflammation from Overuse

Tendonitis occurs when tendons, the fibrous tissues connecting muscles to bones, become inflamed due to repetitive motion. This condition can affect various parts of the arm and hand, causing localized pain and discomfort.

• Tennis elbow: Not just for athletes, this condition can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles.
• Painter’s shoulder: Common among those who frequently raise their arms above their heads.
• Golfer’s elbow: Affects the inner part of the elbow and can occur in non-golfers too.

How does tendonitis develop? When a particular motion is repeated frequently without adequate rest, it can cause micro-tears in the tendon. Over time, these tears lead to inflammation and pain, resulting in tendonitis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pressure on the Median Nerve

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a prevalent condition causing both hand and arm pain. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist’s carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. This compression often results from repetitive motions that cause the tendons in the wrist to swell, putting pressure on the nerve.

Who is at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome? Individuals who perform repetitive hand movements, such as assembly line workers, typists, and cashiers, are at higher risk. However, factors like pregnancy, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to its development.

The Role of Aging in Arm and Hand Pain

As we age, our bodies undergo natural wear and tear, which can manifest as pain in various parts, including the arms and hands. Understanding these age-related changes is crucial for maintaining mobility and comfort as we grow older.

Osteoarthritis: The Wear and Tear of Joints

Osteoarthritis is a common age-related condition that can cause significant arm and hand pain. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints wears down over time, allowing bones to rub against each other. This friction can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

How does osteoarthritis affect daily life? Tasks that were once simple, like opening jars or buttoning shirts, can become challenging and painful for those with osteoarthritis in their hands. In the arms, it may limit activities that require lifting or reaching.

Rotator Cuff Tears: Age-Related Degeneration

The rotator cuff, a group of tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint, can degenerate with age, leading to tears. These tears often cause pain that radiates down the arm and can significantly impact arm function.

Why do rotator cuff tears often affect the dominant arm? The dominant arm is used more frequently and for more strenuous activities, making it more susceptible to wear and tear over time. This increased use can accelerate the degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons.

Neck Issues: An Unexpected Source of Arm Pain

Surprisingly, arm and hand pain can sometimes originate from issues in the neck. Conditions affecting the cervical spine can irritate nerves that extend into the arms and hands, causing referred pain, numbness, or tingling sensations.

Herniated Discs and Spinal Stenosis

Herniated discs occur when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc protrudes through the tougher outer layer, potentially compressing nearby nerves. Spinal stenosis, on the other hand, involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through it.

How can you differentiate between arm pain from a neck issue and other causes? Arm pain originating from the neck is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness that follows a specific pattern based on which nerves are affected. It may also worsen with certain neck movements.

Unusual Causes of Arm and Hand Pain

While many cases of arm and hand pain have common causes, some less frequent conditions can also lead to discomfort. Recognizing these unusual causes can help in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ganglion Cysts: Benign Bumps with Potential Pain

Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that often appear on the wrist or hand. While typically painless, they can cause discomfort if they press on nearby nerves. These fluid-filled sacs can vary in size and may appear suddenly or grow over time.

What treatment options are available for ganglion cysts? Treatment approaches range from watchful waiting to aspiration (draining the fluid) or surgical removal, depending on the cyst’s size and symptoms.

Injuries: Immediate and Long-Term Effects on Arm and Hand Health

Injuries, whether from accidents or sports activities, can have both immediate and long-lasting impacts on arm and hand health. Understanding the potential consequences of injuries is crucial for proper care and recovery.

The Hidden Dangers of “Minor” Falls

Even falls that don’t result in obvious fractures can cause significant damage to the soft tissues of the arm and hand. Tendons, ligaments, and muscles can be strained or torn, leading to pain and reduced function.

Why is professional evaluation important after a fall? Some injuries, like partial rotator cuff tears, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated. A thorough examination can detect these issues early, preventing further damage.

Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Arm and Hand Pain

Effective treatment of arm and hand pain often requires a multifaceted approach, tailored to the specific cause and severity of the condition. From conservative measures to advanced interventions, a range of options is available to alleviate pain and restore function.

Conservative Treatments: The First Line of Defense

For many arm and hand pain conditions, conservative treatments are the initial approach. These methods aim to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing without invasive procedures.

• Rest and activity modification: Giving the affected area time to heal and avoiding aggravating movements.
• Ice and heat therapy: Alternating between cold and warm applications to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.
• Over-the-counter pain medications: NSAIDs or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation.
• Splinting or bracing: Providing support and limiting movement to allow healing.

How long should conservative treatments be tried before considering other options? Generally, a period of 4-6 weeks is recommended to assess the effectiveness of conservative measures. If significant improvement isn’t seen in this time, further evaluation may be necessary.

Physical Therapy: Strengthening and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating many arm and hand conditions. It focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and function through targeted exercises and techniques.

What specific techniques might a physical therapist use for arm and hand pain? Therapists may employ manual therapy, stretching exercises, strengthening routines, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation. They also provide education on proper ergonomics and body mechanics to prevent future issues.

Advanced Treatment Options

When conservative measures and physical therapy aren’t sufficient, more advanced treatments may be considered. These can include:

1. Corticosteroid injections: To provide targeted relief for inflammation.
2. Regenerative medicine: Techniques like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote healing.
3. Minimally invasive procedures: Such as tendon release for carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Surgery: For severe cases or when other treatments have failed.

How is the decision made to pursue advanced treatments? The choice depends on factors like the specific condition, severity of symptoms, impact on daily life, and the patient’s overall health. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Preventive Strategies for Arm and Hand Health

While treatment is crucial for existing arm and hand pain, prevention is equally important. Implementing strategies to maintain arm and hand health can significantly reduce the risk of developing painful conditions.

Ergonomic Adjustments in Daily Life

Making ergonomic changes in work and home environments can greatly reduce the strain on arms and hands. This is particularly important for those who perform repetitive tasks or use computers extensively.

• Proper desk and chair height to maintain good posture
• Ergonomic keyboards and mice to reduce wrist strain
• Regular breaks and stretching exercises during work
• Adjusting tool handles for a more natural grip

How can individuals assess their workspace for ergonomic issues? Many companies offer ergonomic assessments, or individuals can use online resources to guide them through a self-assessment. The key is to identify and address potential sources of strain before they lead to pain or injury.

Strengthening Exercises for Arm and Hand Health

Regular exercises to strengthen the muscles of the arms, hands, and shoulders can help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of developing conditions like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are some effective exercises for arm and hand strength? Simple exercises like wrist curls, finger stretches, and grip strengthening can be done at home with minimal equipment. For more targeted routines, consulting with a physical therapist or certified trainer is advisable.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Arm and Hand Health

Overall health and lifestyle choices play a significant role in arm and hand health. Factors such as nutrition, hydration, and stress management can impact the body’s ability to heal and resist injury.

How does diet affect arm and hand health? A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and essential nutrients can support joint health and reduce the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial for maintaining the elasticity of tendons and ligaments.

When to Seek Professional Help for Arm and Hand Pain

While some arm and hand pain may resolve with home care, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. Recognizing these signs can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Red Flags in Arm and Hand Pain

Certain symptoms associated with arm and hand pain should be considered urgent and require immediate medical evaluation:

• Sudden, severe pain without apparent cause
• Numbness or tingling that doesn’t improve with position changes
• Visible deformity or swelling
• Inability to move the arm or hand
• Pain accompanied by fever or redness

Why is prompt evaluation important for these symptoms? These signs could indicate serious conditions such as fractures, nerve compression, or infections that require immediate treatment to prevent long-term complications.

Chronic Pain: When to Reevaluate Treatment

For individuals dealing with chronic arm or hand pain, it’s important to know when to seek further evaluation or consider alternative treatments.

How long should one wait before seeking a second opinion for chronic pain? If pain persists for more than 3-6 months despite consistent treatment, or if it significantly impacts daily life, it may be time to consult with a specialist or explore different treatment options.

The Future of Arm and Hand Pain Treatment

As medical science advances, new treatments and technologies are emerging to address arm and hand pain more effectively. Staying informed about these developments can open up new possibilities for those suffering from chronic conditions.

Emerging Therapies and Technologies

Several innovative approaches are showing promise in the treatment of arm and hand pain:

• Stem cell therapy for joint regeneration
• Advanced imaging techniques for more precise diagnosis
• Robotic-assisted rehabilitation for improved precision in physical therapy
• Wearable technology for real-time monitoring and feedback

How might these advancements change the landscape of arm and hand pain treatment? These technologies have the potential to offer more personalized, effective treatments with fewer side effects and faster recovery times. However, many are still in the research phase and may not be widely available yet.

The Role of Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine, which combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies, is gaining recognition in the management of arm and hand pain. This approach considers the whole person, not just the specific area of pain.

What complementary therapies show promise for arm and hand pain? Techniques such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and mindfulness practices have shown benefits in pain management when used alongside traditional treatments. These methods can help address not only the physical aspects of pain but also its emotional and psychological impacts.

As our understanding of arm and hand pain continues to evolve, so too do the strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can navigate the challenges of arm and hand pain more effectively, maintaining their quality of life and functional abilities. Whether dealing with an acute injury, a chronic condition, or seeking to prevent future issues, a proactive and comprehensive approach to arm and hand health is key to long-term well-being.

Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Pain Management

Any part of your body is susceptible to pain. Though you may expect to experience pain after an injury, sometimes the discomfort develops from an unknown cause. Arm and hand pain, for example, can occur without an injury from many different causes. Because you rely on your arms and hands to do many things, from writing to typing to carrying the groceries into your house, the pain can be a bit distressing and keep you from doing the things you need to do.

Here, at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center, we specialize in arm and hand pain and want you to know some of the common causes of pain in these areas of which you may not be aware.

Repetitive motion

Doing the same motion over and over again, with few breaks in between, can really tax the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your arm or hand. There are some common conditions that affect the arm or hand that develop from repetitive motion, including:

Tendonitis

Tendonitis refers to inflammation of your tendons, which are the thick fibrous tissues that hold your muscles to your bone. Repeating the same motion over and over again can lead to inflammation in any of the tendons found in your arm or hands.

Tennis elbow, for example, develops from the constant back and forth motion of your forearm as you play your game. Tennis players, however, aren’t the only ones prone to this condition; painters, butchers, and plumbers can also develop tennis elbow. You may also be prone to the inflammation if you spend all day moving your computer mouse up and down.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common source of both hand and arm pain that develops when the median nerve that provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and ring finger gets compressed as it moves through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. Repetitive motion, which may occur if you work in an assembly line, may cause the tendons in your wrist to swell, leading to nerve compression and pain.

You may be able to prevent arm and hand pain from repetitive motion by altering the way you do things, if possible, to prevent the repeated stress. Our specialists here at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center can help you figure out how to alter your movements to prevent the pain.

Wear and tear that comes with aging

You may gain wisdom with age, but aging also affects joint health. You may experience arm or hand pain due to the wearing down of the cartilage that separates your joints that occurs over time, allowing the bones to rub together. This condition is more commonly known as osteoarthritis.

It isn’t just your cartilage and joints, however. You can also develop tears in your rotator cuff, which are a group of tendons that hold your arm and shoulder in place, due to degeneration of the tissue. A rotator cuff tear can cause pain in the shoulder that travels down the arm and may affect your ability to use your arm. The degeneration usually affects your dominant hand, too.

Maybe it’s your neck

Your arm or hand pain may not be directly related to your extremities. The sensations you feel running down your arm and into your hands may generate from conditions that affect your necks, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. These conditions can irritate the nerves that send signals down your arm and hands. If you’re experiencing any numbness or tingling in your hands or arms, you should also have your neck evaluated.

That funny bump on your wrist

That funny bump may be a ganglion cyst, which is a noncancerous tumor filled with the lubricating fluid from your joint. These tiny bumps aren’t usually painful, but if they press on a nerve, they can cause pain and be difficult to live with. Treatment for the cyst may involve immobilization, drainage of the fluid, or complete removal of the cyst.

Bad fall

Maybe you didn’t break a bone, but a bad fall can injure the tendons, ligaments, or muscles in your arm or hand and lead to pain. You may be tempted to ride it out at home with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and an ice pack. But knowing the underlying cause of your pain can help you get the most effective treatment for a quick recovery. For example, if you’ve torn a rotator cuff after a fierce fall to the ground during a tackle at football practice, not getting the right care may cause the tear to worsen.

Arm and hand pain can develop from many causes. Identifying the underlying cause of your pain can help you get the most effective treatment. To find out what’s causing your discomfort, call CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center today, or request an appointment online.

Often-Overlooked Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy does more than restore function and flexibility. It can also improve your strength, reduce your pain, and improve your quality of life.

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3 Things No One Told You About Arthritis

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Symptom Checker: Hand, Wrist, Arm Problems

Pain and other problems in the hands, wrists and arms can be caused by injury, certain activities or other health problems. Follow this chart for for more information.

Back to Symptoms

Step 2

Answering Questions

• Did you hit, twist, or fall on your arm, hand, or wrist?

• Is the affected area deformed or swollen?

• Does the pain get worse when you move your arm, hand, or wrist?

• Does the pain get worse with repetitive movement (e.g., while working or playing a sport)?”

• Is it painful to grip a doorknob, and does the pain start on the outside of your elbow and move down your arm to your wrist?

• Do you have numbness or pain in your fingers, hand, wrist, or arm, especially when you flex your wrist (i.e., bend your palm toward your forearm)?

• Do you have a firm lump or swelling near your wrist or finger joints?

• Do you have redness, swelling, or pain in the skin around a cut or wound, or is there a red streak anywhere on your arm or hand?

• Are one or more joints swollen and tender? Do you have a fever?

• Does your thumb hurt with gripping, typing, or writing with a pencil or pen?

Back to Questions

Step 3

Possible Causes

• Diagnosis

  You may have a FRACTURED bone.

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  Self Care

  URGENT
  See your doctor right away. Apply ice packs to the affected area. Use a sling to help hold the arm still and reduce pain. Use an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  If there is no fracture, the limb may be SPRAINED.

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  Self Care

  Avoid activities that cause pain. Apply ice and don’t move your arm. Use an over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce swelling. See your doctor if the pain gets worse.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  If there is no fracture, the tendons (a cord of tissue connecting muscle to bone) or ligaments (tissue connecting bones to each another) around the joint may be SPRAINED or STRAINED.

  ---

  Self Care

  Avoid activities that cause pain. Apply ice and a compressive bandage or sleeve. Use an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and reduce swelling. See your doctor if the pain gets worse or does not improve with rest.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS (i.e., tennis elbow).

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  Self Care

  Avoid activities that cause pain. Apply ice and a compressive bandage or sleeve. Use an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and reduce swelling. See your doctor if the pain gets worse or does not improve with rest.

  ---

  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, a compression of the median nerve in the wrist and hand.

  ---

  Self Care

  Use anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling. A wrist splint worn at night may also ease pain and numbness. If your symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have a GANGLION CYST, a common non-cancerous cyst.

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  Self Care

  See your doctor if the cyst causes pain or begins to grow rapidly.

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  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  These are all signs of INFECTION in the hand, wrist, or arm.

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  Self Care

  URGENT
  See your doctor right away. Use an antibiotic ointment (like bacitracin) on infected cuts.

  ---

  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, an inflammatory joint condition. You may also have GOUT, or an INFECTION (with fever) of the joint or bone.

  ---

  Self Care

  See your doctor right away. Use an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

  ---

  Start Over

• Diagnosis

  You may have CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME or de QUERVAIN’S TENOSYNOVITIS.

  ---

  Self Care

  For CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, use an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling. A wrist splint worn at night may also ease pain and numbness. If your symptoms don’t improve, see your doctor.

  For de QUERVAIN’S TENOSYNOVITIS, your doctor may prescribe, or you can purchase an over-the-counter splint that does not allow your thumb to move. See your doctor if the pain worsens or does not improve with rest.

  ---

  Start Over

• Self Care

  For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor right away.

  ---

  Start Over

familydoctor.org editorial staff
December 1, 2020October 6, 2016

Pain in the arms: causes, consequences, methods of treatment

Pain in the arm is one of the most common complaints of patients who turn to a neurologist or orthopedist. This symptom is not specific, as it can indicate the development of several diseases at once – arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, hernia, localized in the cervical or thoracic spine.

At the stage of diagnosis, the nature of the pain, which can be burning, aching or shooting, and the place of its localization are of great importance. In some cases, pain in the shoulders and upper limbs is only a consequence of problems with the back or neck, in others it indicates inflammation of the joints (in the elbows and wrists).

When should I see a doctor?

Practice shows that the vast majority of patients practice self-diagnosis, traditional medicine and uncontrolled use of painkillers. This approach always leads to one result: a neglected disease requires more serious, long-term and expensive treatment.

We strongly recommend that you see a specialist if you have any of the following symptoms:

• The pain persists for 3 days and is aggravated by any physical activity.
• The arm is swollen.
• Pain in the arm reduces its strength. Patients note the inability to perform the usual actions, stiffness of movements.

The sooner the diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment will be. Our goal is to find and eliminate the cause, relieve a person from pain, and restore mobility.

What does arm pain indicate? The most common diseases

Does your arm hurt? There may be several reasons. In this article, we will talk about the most serious and common of them:

• Arthritis – inflammation of the joints and periarticular space.

The main symptoms are pain, swelling, deterioration of mobility, local hyperemia or hyperthermia, reaction to weather changes. Lack of treatment leads to joint deformity, changes in cartilage, ligaments and capsule. At the initial stage, arthritis affects the hands, feet, elbow and shoulder joints, then descends to the pelvis and knees. In the presence of several foci of inflammation, a diagnosis of polyarthritis is made. This pathology develops against the background of injuries, bruises and other damage to the ligamentous apparatus, infections, deficiency of bone or cartilage tissue, poor heredity, and disorders in the immune system. At risk are the elderly.

• Arthrosis – destruction of cartilage and joint capsule.

At risk are people over 45 years of age. Today, arthrosis occurs in every tenth inhabitant of the planet, so it is important to diagnose the disease in time and contact specialists. Main symptoms: inflammation, swelling, swelling, crunching in the joints, pain in the hands, elbows, feet, knees, hips and lower back. Primary arthrosis is an independent disease that occurs due to the fact that the cartilage tissue wears out faster than it is restored. If the pathological process occurs after injuries, against the background of endocrine disorders, osteoporosis, varicose veins, hormonal imbalance, physical inactivity and other problems, arthrosis is called secondary.

• Thoracic osteochondrosis is a disease in which intervertebral discs, joints and ligaments are destroyed.

Attack-like or shooting pain is the most striking symptom that occurs against the background of pinched spinal nerves. Among other manifestations, the most common paresis, “goosebumps”, a tingling sensation and muscle tension on palpation. Symptoms of osteochondrosis are similar to the manifestation of coronary heart disease, so we do not recommend postponing a visit to a specialist on the back burner. The disease develops for a number of reasons, including due to spinal injuries, posture disorders and periodic hypothermia, it can be combined with cervical osteochondrosis, one of the manifestations of which is pain in the right arm.

• Herniated disc in the thoracic spine.

A rather rare disease with serious consequences. The thoracic spine begins with the collar zone and ends with the lumbar lordosis. The spinal nerve fibers located in this area activate the upper limbs, the respiratory center, the anterior chest wall, affect the functioning of the liver, esophagus, reproductive and urinary systems. By pinching the nerve roots, intervertebral hernias cause severe pain, as well as dysfunction of the organs listed above. The main reason for the formation of a hernia is the wear of the disc tissues against the background of advanced osteochondrosis. Main symptoms: shooting, aching or dull pain in the chest and between the shoulder blades; tingling sensation, numbness of the extremities and muscle weakness.

This is important!

According to statistics, cervical disc herniation occurs in 8% of cases, thoracic hernia – in 1%. The permanent “leader” among diseases of the spine is protrusion in the lumbar region. The top five, along with osteochondrosis, includes arthritis, in particular, humeroscapular periarthritis – a reactive inflammatory process in the movable joint that connects the arm bone with the scapula.

In the absence of adequate treatment, in about 40% of cases, the pain syndrome becomes chronic, every fifth patient inherits severe vertebral neurological disorders.

Causes and consequences

The reasons for the development of diseases of the spine are different:

• Old age. Organs and systems age with us. Bones become more fragile, cartilage wears out.
• Genetic predisposition. Let’s just say that this is not a diagnosis. An active lifestyle, the rejection of bad habits, the right diet can delay or prevent the development of pathology.
• Spinal injuries. There are circumstances beyond our control, such as an accident or an unfortunate fall on ice, but in most cases we endanger ourselves: we perform physical exercises without prior stretching, ride tubing – high-speed, dangerous and uncontrollable, jump into the lake from a springboard without thinking that you can break your neck. Your health is in your hands!
• Posture disorders. Don’t hold back? Know that your muscles are in constant tension. Kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis – this is not a “cosmetic problem”, but constant pain and disruption of the internal organs.

Among other factors, it is worth noting excessive physical activity, overweight, refusal to treat other chronic diseases.

Why go to the doctor?

Early diagnosis and proper treatment significantly improve the prognosis and increase your chances, if not for a complete recovery, then for slowing down the development of the pathological process, getting rid of pain, returning joint mobility and, as a result, improving the quality of life.

How to treat?

What should I do if my arm hurts?

• The first stage of treatment is aimed at removing swelling, spasms, inflammation and pain. For this purpose, the patient is prescribed painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, decongestants and muscle relaxants. High efficiency in the fight against the consequences of intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis, neuralgia, myositis and spinal injuries was shown by therapeutic drug blockade and plasmolifting.
• Treatment of spinal diseases is not limited to drugs and injections. You can relieve pain, accelerate tissue regeneration, restore metabolic processes with the help of acupuncture, magnetotherapy on the BTL 49 device20 Smart, interstitial electrical stimulation according to Gerasimov, hardware spinal traction and kinesio taping. In most cases, the patient is prescribed a course of procedures, but relief comes after the first session.

Despite the fact that the methods of treatment listed in this article have a minimum of contraindications, consultation with a specialist is required!

You can make an appointment with an orthopedist on the website or by calling 7 (347) 216 00 22.

Pain in the hands: causes, tips for treatment and prevention

Home

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TYPES OF PAIN IN HUMANS

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Pain in the hands

Author, editor and medical expert – Anna Yurievna Budovskaya.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna

Number of views: 65 866

Last update date: 12/29/2022 9 0003

Average reading time: 8 minutes

Content:

Causes of pain in the hands
Muscle strain
Tendinitis and tendovaginitis
Diseases of the joints
Injuries
Cervical osteochondrosis
Features of pain in the hands
Diagnosis of pain in the hands
Treatment of pain in the hand
Prevention of pain in the hand

The function of the hand is to grasp and move objects ³ , that is, movements that we perform in everyday life – at home and at work. Also, the brush helps us to contact the outside world ³ . Handshakes, touching objects, gestures – all this is done with brush movements, helping us, on the one hand, to receive information, and on the other hand, to express our thoughts and emotions. Therefore, when pain occurs in the hand, a person often falls out of the usual rhythm of life. Let’s see why it occurs, how to alleviate discomfort and, most importantly, what to do so that they do not reappear.

Causes of pain in the hands

The hand has a complex structure and consists of the wrist, metacarpus and short tubular bones (phalanges) of the fingers, as well as tendons, ligaments and muscles ³ . Pain can mean damage to any of these structures, which means that there are a lot of reasons for the appearance of such a symptom. Next, let’s talk about them in more detail.

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Muscle strain

The most common cause of pain in the hands is muscle strain ⁶ . For example, due to monotonous repetitive movements, the transverse ligament of the wrist swells, thickens and compresses the median nerve under it, causing carpal (carpal) tunnel syndrome ⁶ .

If earlier movements that provoke nerve compression were typical for manual workers or athletes, today, in the age of global computerization, work at the computer ¹ or prolonged (many hours) use of smartphones ¹³ .

Scientists have calculated: gamers who play computer games up to 12 hours a day, perform up to 8 thousand clicks on the keyboard and computer mouse ¹ . But just 4 hours of daily work at the computer is enough to overload the muscles of the hand and fingers ¹ .

Tendinitis and tendovaginitis

Pain in the hands can be a problem for athletes (tennis players and golfers) when the tendons (tendonitis) or the membrane that covers them (tendovaginitis) become inflamed. ^5.16 .

Women aged 30-50 often develop de Quervain’s tendovaginitis. It is associated with overload and damage to the tendons that coordinate the mobility of the thumb ^5.14 . The disease is more often observed in young mothers who constantly hold the baby in their arms ¹⁴ .

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis also did not bypass the generation that does not part with mobile gadgets ¹³ . Soreness in the wrist area in young people has become so widespread that it has acquired the popular name “selfie wrist”. However, studies have shown that pain in the hands is not associated with the habit of often taking selfies. The reason is in the microtraumas of the muscles that we use to hold the smartphone in our hand, type text on it or scroll the screen with our thumb ¹³ .

Tenosynovitis can be caused by infection, chronic systemic disease (rheumatism) or trauma ⁵ , so don’t be too quick to attribute hand pain to overload. For the treatment to be effective, consult your doctor.

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Diseases of the joints

Arthritis of the hand can be caused by:

• in which the inflammatory process involves one or more joint components ¹⁰ . Depending on the cause, arthritis occurs both at a young age and in people older than 40-50 years ¹⁰ .
• Arthrosis (osteoarthrosis) arising from the destruction of the articular cartilage and the bone it covers ¹⁰ . Arthrosis develops slowly ⁴ , with age the cartilage gradually loses elasticity and is more easily damaged ¹⁰ , so the disease usually manifests itself in the elderly ⁴ .

In case of diseases of the joints of the hand, do not self-medicate. Therapy for arthritis and arthrosis is different, and only a specialist can determine the exact cause of the pain.

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Injuries

Contusion, sprains of tendons and ligaments, dislocations and fractures can be another cause of pain in the hand ^12,14,16 . Acute injury occurs when tissue is compressed, struck ¹² or falling on an open hand ² . Sometimes damage to the wrist area results from prolonged exposure to vibration ⁶ , strenuous work in which the hand is constantly in the position of flexion or extension ⁶ .

Almost any injury can disrupt the blood circulation in the tissues, and this, in turn, aggravates the degree of damage ¹² and often leads to malunion of the fracture and arthrosis ³ .

Serious injury is the first thing to rule out when pain occurs in the hand, especially if it gets worse when you try to grasp and squeeze an object in your hand ² . Consult a doctor to get qualified medical care and avoid unwanted consequences.

Cervical osteochondrosis

Pain in the hands may be associated with changes in the cervical vertebrae ¹⁵ with osteochondrosis. The fact is that the ulnar nerve stretches to the muscles of the forearm and hand, which originates from the nerve roots of the cervical spine ¹⁴ . With osteochondrosis, the distance between the vertebrae gradually decreases, as a result of which the nerve roots are often compressed ¹¹ . Neck movement ¹⁴ , coughing or sneezing ¹⁵ provoke a pinched nerve and cause “long pain”, which is felt in the neck and “radiates” along the nerves of the upper limb – to the shoulder, forearm, reaching the fingers of the hand ¹⁵ .

Features of pain in the hands

Constant soreness may be associated with muscle spasm and swelling of the joints, especially if the pain is dull, aching or exhausting ¹⁰ . For some it is more pronounced in the morning, accompanied by stiffness, but goes away or gets better in the daytime ¹⁰ , for others it appears at the end of the working day and subsides after rest ¹⁰ . Often the pain bothers even at night and disturbs sleep ⁶ .

Depending on the cause, hand pain can be triggered by various factors – driving a car, drawing, working at a computer or sports ⁶ . Usually the pain goes away if you take a break and let your hands rest. But, when the cause of pain persists, the usual activity becomes impossible, and the person is forced to change profession ⁶ .

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Diagnosis of pain in the hands

Different doctors are engaged in identifying the causes of pain in the hands – traumatologists, orthopedists, rheumatologists and neuropathologists. To the right specialist, as a rule, the therapist directs after the examination. If necessary, the specialist prescribes an x-ray or MRI and sends for tests.

At the appointment, tell the doctor what symptoms bother you, in addition to pain:

• if redness or swelling was observed in the area of ​​the wrist or fingers ¹⁰ ;
• is there a restriction of movement in the joints ¹⁰ ;
• how long ago the deformities occurred ¹⁰ ;
• which movements provoke pain ⁶ ;
• whether numbness and weakness of the hands ⁶ .

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Hand pain treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the hand pain. To unload the wrist joint, the doctor may recommend wearing orthoses ⁵ , using bandages ⁶ or taping ^6.9 . The treatment also includes:

• rest and cold compress ² :
• special training regimen ⁵ ;
• physiotherapy ^{6. 12} ;
• massage ¹² ;
• physiotherapy exercises ^4.5 ;
• medication ^5,6,18 .

Surgical ² or orthopedic correction, if necessary ¹⁰ .

MOTRIN® may be used to relieve pain. Its active ingredient, naproxen, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. MOTRIN® can be used to combat pain after sprains and bruises, in osteoarthritis, tendovaginitis, osteochondrosis and soft tissue lesions in rheumatism ⁷ . One dose of MOTRIN® is sufficient up to 12 hours ⁷ .

Prevention of pain in the hands

At the first sign of tension in the hands, rest the hands. Even if you take a 30-second break every 10 minutes, this is enough to restore the function of the muscles and ligaments of the hand and prevent the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome ¹ .

If you work in the office at the computer:

• Do a set of exercises regularly. Flexion and extension of the hands and fingers are performed both for pain prevention and treatment ⁸ .
• Type with keyboard in neutral position (not tilted) ¹ .
• Opt for a chair with a functional curved back ⁸ .
• Position the chair so that its height is equal to the length of the lower leg, and the depth is at least 2/3 of the length of the entire thigh ⁸ .
• Keep your elbows off the table and keep your shoulders level. This position will allow you to evenly distribute the load on the muscles of both hands ⁸ .

The hand is an important part of our body. Small to medium joints, ligaments and muscles are designed to provide ease of movement, but overuse, injury, and chronic illness can cause pain. Limiting the movements of the hands and fingers brings only temporary relief. Therefore, it is important to establish a diagnosis and eliminate the cause of pain in the hands. To do this, you should consult with your doctor.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

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Literature

1. Berezutsky V.I. Computer mouse, keyboard and carpal tunnel syndrome // Medical Perspectives. 2018. No. 3-1. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/kompyuternaya-mysh-klaviatura-i-sindrom-zapyastnogo-kanala (date of access: 08/17/2021).
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