What are the common causes of arm and hand pain. How can repetitive motion lead to conditions like tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. What role does aging play in developing arm and hand discomfort. Can neck issues cause pain in the arms and hands. How to identify and treat ganglion cysts. Why is proper diagnosis crucial for effective treatment of arm and hand pain.

Common Causes of Arm and Hand Pain

Arm and hand pain can arise from various sources, often without an apparent injury. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons behind this discomfort.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motions can significantly strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your arms and hands. This strain can lead to several conditions:

• Tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Tendonitis occurs when tendons, the fibrous tissues connecting muscles to bones, become inflamed due to repeated movements. Tennis elbow, despite its name, can affect not only tennis players but also painters, butchers, and even office workers who frequently use a computer mouse.

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve, which provides sensation to most fingers, gets compressed in the wrist. This compression often results from swollen tendons caused by repetitive motions, such as those performed in assembly line work.

The Impact of Aging on Arm and Hand Health

As we age, our bodies undergo natural wear and tear that can contribute to arm and hand pain. Two primary age-related conditions are:

1. Osteoarthritis
2. Rotator cuff tears

Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage between joints deteriorates over time, allowing bones to rub against each other. This can cause pain and stiffness in the hands and arms.

Rotator cuff tears occur when the tendons holding the arm and shoulder in place degenerate. This condition typically affects the dominant arm and can cause pain that radiates down from the shoulder.

Neck-Related Arm and Hand Pain

Surprisingly, arm and hand pain may originate from issues in the neck. Conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis can irritate nerves that send signals down the arm and into the hand. If you experience numbness or tingling in your hands or arms, it’s essential to have your neck evaluated as well.

Identifying Neck-Related Symptoms

How can you distinguish between arm pain originating from the neck and pain from other sources? Look out for these signs:

• Pain that radiates from the neck down the arm
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Weakness in the arm or hand
• Pain that worsens when moving the neck

Ganglion Cysts: A Common Cause of Wrist Pain

Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that often appear on the wrist. While usually painless, they can cause discomfort if they press on a nerve. These fluid-filled sacs typically form along tendons or around joints and can vary in size.

Treatment Options for Ganglion Cysts

How are ganglion cysts treated? Treatment options include:

1. Immobilization: Wearing a wrist brace to reduce movement and pressure on the cyst
2. Aspiration: Draining the fluid from the cyst
3. Surgical removal: Complete excision of the cyst

The choice of treatment depends on the size of the cyst, its location, and the severity of symptoms. In some cases, ganglion cysts may disappear on their own without intervention.

Injury-Related Arm and Hand Pain

Falls or accidents can cause injuries to the tendons, ligaments, or muscles in your arm or hand, resulting in pain. While it might be tempting to treat these injuries at home with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, seeking professional medical advice is crucial.

Why Professional Diagnosis Matters

What makes professional diagnosis so important for arm and hand injuries? Consider these reasons:

• Accurate identification of the injury type and severity
• Appropriate treatment plan development
• Prevention of further damage or complications
• Faster and more effective recovery

For instance, a seemingly minor fall could result in a rotator cuff tear. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, this injury could worsen over time, leading to more significant pain and reduced mobility.

Preventive Measures for Arm and Hand Pain

While some causes of arm and hand pain are unavoidable, many can be prevented or mitigated through proper care and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some preventive strategies:

Ergonomic Workplace Adjustments

How can you make your workspace more ergonomic to prevent arm and hand pain?

• Adjust your chair height so your feet rest flat on the floor
• Position your keyboard at elbow height
• Use an ergonomic mouse to reduce wrist strain
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move

Exercise and Stretching Routines

Regular exercise and stretching can help maintain flexibility and strength in your arms and hands. Consider incorporating these exercises into your routine:

1. Wrist flexor and extensor stretches
2. Finger stretches
3. Shoulder rolls
4. Arm circles

Aim to perform these exercises for a few minutes each day, especially if you engage in repetitive motions at work or during hobbies.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Arm and Hand Pain

While some arm and hand pain may resolve on its own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare professional?

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
• Swelling or redness in the affected area
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Weakness or difficulty moving the arm or hand
• Pain that interferes with daily activities

Early intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into more serious conditions and ensure faster recovery.

Diagnostic Approaches for Arm and Hand Pain

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of arm and hand pain. Healthcare professionals may use various diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort.

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination is often the first step in diagnosing arm and hand pain. During this examination, your doctor may:

• Assess the range of motion in your arm, hand, and fingers
• Check for areas of tenderness or swelling
• Evaluate muscle strength and reflexes
• Perform specific tests to diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome

Imaging Studies

Depending on the suspected cause of pain, your doctor may recommend imaging studies such as:

1. X-rays: To examine bone structure and detect fractures or arthritis
2. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): For detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments
3. CT (Computed Tomography) scans: To provide cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissues
4. Ultrasound: To visualize tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues in real-time

These imaging techniques can help identify structural abnormalities, inflammation, or injuries that may be causing your pain.

Electrodiagnostic Tests

In some cases, your doctor may recommend electrodiagnostic tests to evaluate nerve function. These tests include:

• Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles
• Nerve conduction studies: Assess how well nerves transmit electrical signals

These tests can be particularly useful in diagnosing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or pinched nerves.

Treatment Options for Arm and Hand Pain

Once the cause of your arm and hand pain has been identified, your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate treatment options. These may include:

Conservative Treatments

Many cases of arm and hand pain can be managed with conservative treatments, such as:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice or heat therapy
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy exercises
• Splinting or bracing

Medications

In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to manage pain and inflammation. These might include:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
2. Corticosteroids
3. Muscle relaxants
4. Topical pain relievers

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating many arm and hand conditions. A physical therapist can design a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Manual therapy techniques
• Ultrasound or electrical stimulation
• Education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of arm and hand pain. Surgical options may include:

1. Carpal tunnel release
2. Tendon repair
3. Joint replacement
4. Rotator cuff repair

The specific surgical approach will depend on the nature and severity of your condition.

Living with Chronic Arm and Hand Pain

For some individuals, arm and hand pain may become a chronic condition. In these cases, developing effective coping strategies is essential for maintaining quality of life.

Pain Management Techniques

Various pain management techniques can help individuals cope with chronic arm and hand pain:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

These techniques can help reduce pain perception and improve overall well-being.

Assistive Devices

Assistive devices can help individuals with chronic arm and hand pain perform daily activities more comfortably. Some helpful devices include:

1. Ergonomic computer peripherals
2. Jar openers and grip aids
3. Long-handled tools for reaching and grasping
4. Voice recognition software for reduced typing

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage chronic arm and hand pain:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints
• Practicing good posture
• Engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling
• Getting adequate sleep to promote healing and reduce pain sensitivity

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Arm and Hand Pain Management

Occupational therapy can be an invaluable resource for individuals dealing with arm and hand pain. Occupational therapists specialize in helping people perform daily activities more easily and comfortably.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational therapists can assist with arm and hand pain in several ways:

• Teaching alternative methods for performing tasks
• Recommending and providing training on assistive devices
• Developing customized hand exercises
• Advising on workplace ergonomics

Customized Treatment Plans

Occupational therapists create personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s specific needs and goals. These plans may include:

1. Hand therapy exercises
2. Sensory re-education techniques
3. Scar management strategies
4. Training in activities of daily living

By working closely with an occupational therapist, individuals with arm and hand pain can improve their function and quality of life.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

Arm and hand pain can stem from various causes, ranging from repetitive motion injuries to age-related wear and tear. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of further complications. While some cases may resolve with home care, persistent or severe pain warrants professional medical attention.

Remember that early intervention can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery. By understanding the potential causes of arm and hand pain and taking proactive steps to address them, you can maintain the health and functionality of these essential body parts. Whether through lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, or therapeutic interventions, there are numerous options available to help you manage and overcome arm and hand pain.

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.

Why Does My Neck Hurt So Badly?

If you’ve ever slept wrong or injured your neck, you know how debilitating neck pain can be. If you can’t find relief, it might be time to find a specialist.

Tips for Recovering From a Dog Bite

Dog bites are often sudden, traumatic injuries that require immediate care. Read on to learn what you should do if you get bitten and what you should do during the recovery process.

3 Things No One Told You About Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain, yet it’s still largely misunderstood. Here are three things you may not know about arthritis.

Help! I’ve Been Injured on the Job

Have you recently suffered from a workplace injury? Here’s how a doctor can strengthen your workers’ compensation claim.

4 Key Lifestyle Changes to Help You Manage Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which there is damage to the nerves in the extremities, such as the fingers, toes, and feet. While the condition is irreversible, there are things you can do to help control your symptoms.

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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  Start Over

• Diagnosis

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

  ---

  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.

  ---

  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.

  ---

  Start Over

• Diagnosis

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

  ---

  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.

  ---

  Start Over

• Diagnosis

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

  ---

  Self Care

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

  ---

  Start Over

• Diagnosis

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

  ---

  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

>

TYPES OF PAIN IN HUMANS

>

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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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 .

Back to top

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 .

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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).
2. Causes and Treatment of Wrist Pain By Jonathan Cluett, MD https : //www . verywellhealth . com/wrist-pain-causes-symptoms-and-treatments-2549458
3. Deikalo, Tolstik, Boloboshko Clinical anatomy of the hand and surgical approaches//Vitebsk:-2013, 123p.
4. Olyunin Yu.A. Osteoarthritis of the joints of the hands. Differential diagnosis with inflammatory diseases of the joints and treatment tactics. Modern rheumatology. 2015;9(4):77-82. https : //mrj . ima-press . net/mrj/article/view/657/644
5. Torshin I.Yu., Gromova Olga Alekseevna, Lila A.M., Limanova O.A. Systematic analysis of the molecular pathophysiology of tendovaginitis: the prospects for the use of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate // Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics. 2020. №2. URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/sistematicheskiy-analiz-molekulyarnoy-patofiziologii-tendovaginita-perspektivnost-primeneniya-hondroitina-sulfata-i-glyukozamina
6. Yarikov AV, Tutkin AV, Boyarshinov AA, Fraerman AP, Perlmutter OA Carpal tunnel syndrome: clinic, diagnosis and modern approaches to treatment (brief review) // Medical Almanac. 2020. No. 3 (64). URL: https : //cyberleninka . ru/article/n/karpalnyy-tunnelnyy-sindrom-klinika-diagnostika-i-sovremennye-podhody-k-lecheniyu-kratkiy-obzor
7. Instructions for use of the drug MOTRIN ® tablets // Reg. number P N002874/01// GRLS RF. – URL: https : //grls.rosminzdrav . ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGuid=868bad0c-d10e-47a9-b9d8-2595d9a01ac7&t=
8. A set of exercises for the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis of the hands. Author’s technique N.K. Novikova / M.-2021 / / Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine” https : //gnicpm . en/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/kompleks-uprazhnenij-kistej-ruk-kniga.pdf
9. Jung KS, Jung JH, Shin HS, Park JY, In TS, Cho HY. The Effects of Taping Combined with Wrist Stabilization Exercise on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Postpartum Women with Wrist Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 30;18(7):3564. doi: 10.3390/ijerph28073564. https : //pubmed . ncbi . nlm . nih.gov/33808137/
10. Ambulatory aspects of management of patients with articular syndrome: study guide. allowance / I. L. Mesnikova. – Minsk: BSMU, 2007. – 46 p. ISBN 978–985–462–675–8.
11. Treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis А.А. Pilipovich// Medical business 2. 2015 — P. 15-22
12. Rodomanova, L.A. Prevention of ischemic contractures of the hand after severe traumatic injuries: a guide for doctors / L.A. Rodomanova, D.I. Kutyanov, K.S. Melikhov. – St. Petersburg. : RNIITO im. R.R. Vredena, 2013. – 24 p.
13. Stacy, Monica, “Assessment of Antebrachial and Carpal Muscle Activity During Smartphone Use: is “Selfie Wrist” a Real Phenomenon?” (2020). Honors Theses. 1339. https : //egrove . olemiss . edu/hon_thesis/1339/
14. Shehab, Ramsey, and Mark H Mirabelli. “Evaluation and diagnosis of wrist pain: a case-based approach.” American family physician vol. 87.8 (2013): 568-73. https : //www . aafp . org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0415/p568.html
15. Sadokha K.A., Golovko A.M., Krotov V.V. Cervical compression radiculopathy // Medical News.