Hand Pain Causes, Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Hand Pain Causes, Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Hand pain is surprisingly common and can be caused by anything such as from daily overuse to conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or nerve issues. Sometimes, it’s just strain—but other times, it signals something more serious. Ever noticed numbness, swelling, or pain that gets worse at night? These could be clues. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common reasons for hand pain, what symptoms to watch for, and when it’s time to seek help.

Hand pain is surprisingly common and can be caused by anything such as from daily overuse to conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or nerve issues. Sometimes, it’s just strain—but other times, it signals something more serious. Ever noticed numbness, swelling, or pain that gets worse at night? These could be clues. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common reasons for hand pain, what symptoms to watch for, and when it’s time to seek help.

Causes of Hand Pain

Below are some of the most common hand pain reasons, grouped by type, to help you better understand what is the source of your pain:

1. Tendon and Joint Conditions

• De Quervain Tenosynovitis:

This condition causes swelling and pain on the thumb side of the wrist, due to repetitive hand movements like lifting heavy objects or gardening.

• Skier's Thumb:

An injury to the ligament at the base of the thumb, typically resulting from a fall while holding a ski pole.

• Trigger Finger:

Characterised by a "catching" or "locking" sensation in the finger, often due to inflammation of the tendon sheath.

2. Nerve-Related Issues

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, which causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

• Peripheral Neuropathy:

Damage to the peripheral nerves, often due to diabetes, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands.

3. Other Causes

• Arthritis:

Inflammation of the joints that leads to swelling and hand stiffness. Arthritis can also cause hand muscle pain due to reduced joint mobility and muscle strain.

• Fractures:

Broken bones in the hand can cause immediate pain and swelling.

• Ganglion Cysts:

Non-cancerous, fluid-filled lumps that can develop along the tendons or joints of the wrist or hand.

• Lupus:

An autoimmune disease that leads to joint pain and swelling, including in the hands.

• Raynaud’s Phenomenon:

A condition where small blood vessels in the fingers constrict in response to cold or stress, and leads to colour changes, numbness, and pain.

• Traumatic Injury:

Severe injury, such as cuts, burns, or impact, that results in pain and swelling.