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Hand Pain


About this topic


The hand is made up of many small bones. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones to help the joints glide easier. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold your bones together. There are also some muscles and tendons in your hand. These attach to the bones and help move the hand up, down, or sideways. Nerves and blood vessels also run through your hand. There are layers of connective tissue in your hand. The skin on your palm is very thick. Damage or injury to any of these structures can lead to hand pain and problems. ‚  


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What are the causes?


  • Trauma from a fall, direct hit, accident, or fight
  • Hand is crushed, twisted, pulled, or jammed
  • Accident that causes burns or cuts
  • Arthritis
  • Infection
  • Irritation to muscles, ligaments, or other tissues
  • Nerve compression
  • Circulation problems

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • Having a job where your hands are at risk for injury
  • Having a job where you do repeat motions with your hands
  • Playing contact sports or sports where you are at risk for falling
  • Having certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
  • Getting certain cancer drugs

What are the main signs?


  • Pain, swelling, soreness, or stiffness
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Trouble bending, straightening, or moving the hand
  • Numbness, tingling, prickling, or burning sensations
  • Weakness or trouble gripping objects
  • Hand or fingers are cold and pale
  • Hand in an abnormal position

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will look at your hand. Your doctor also may look at your arm, shoulder, and neck. Your doctor may have you try to move your fingers to check your motion. Your doctor may push on your arm, hand, and fingers to test your strength. Your doctor will also check for numbness and blood flow. ‚  
  • X-ray
  • MRI or CT scan
  • Nerve conduction test
  • Electromyelogram (EMG) ¢ ˆ ’ to look at how well the nerves are working

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Based on the problem, your doctor may suggest: ‚  
  • Rest and avoid activities that make your problem worse
  • Ice
  • Elevation
  • Compression
  • Splint, brace, or cast
  • Taping
  • Wound care
  • Heat
  • Exercises
  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Surgery

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
  • Help with pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Prevent or fight an infection
  • Treat a skin problem

The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Infection
  • Loss of motion
  • Loss of finger movement or strength
  • Ongoing pain or stiffness
  • Long-term disability
  • Injury to nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues
  • Poor healing

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Take rests often when doing something with repeat hand motions. Shake out your hands or rub them during breaks.
  • Alternate between activities or tasks using repeat hand motions if possible.
  • Do not keep your hand in the same position for long periods of time.
  • When picking up heavy objects, use both hands together. Keep your wrists straight.
  • Keep your fingers and hand moving, especially if you have arthritis. Not moving can cause stiffness and pain.
  • Wear protective equipment when playing sports.
  • Follow all safety precautions when running machinery.
  • Do not run equipment or machines when tired.
  • Do not wear rings when working with machinery.
  • Use caution when cutting with knives. Make sure the blades stay sharp. Dull blades can slip and cause injuries.
  • Do not approach fighting dogs or animals. Be careful when getting near an animal that you do not know.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy or Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚  
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/menus/hand.cfm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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