Hand and Wrist Pain

Hand and wrist pain can develop due to several reasons. In most of the cases, the pain does not indicate an underlying condition and will resolve on its own.

Common Causes of Hand and Wrist Pain

Over straining and over exertion of hand is the top reason why people suffer from hand and wrist pain. However, sometimes the pain can be an indication of an underlying condition like a fracture or arthritis.

Injuries
Hand and wrist injuries occur when performing routine tasks and from falls. Driving, playing musical instruments, and impact from sports that involve holding or throwing can result in fractures and sprains. One common repetitive stress injury is De Quervain’s disease that causes pain at the base of the thumb.

Arthritis
Arthritis is a common degenerative disease characterized by pain, inflammation, and stiffness of joints. Over a period of time, the cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones wears away, the bones in that area rub against each other can cause hand and wrist pain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome
In patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve passing through the wrist gets pinched or experiences pressure. This causes pain, numbness and tingling sensation in the hand and arm.

Other conditions
Ganglion cysts (painful soft tissue cysts), and Kienbock’s disease (happens when one of the small bones in the wrist undergoes progressive deterioration due to compromised blood supply) are some more likely causes of hand and wrist pain.

How is the Cause of Hand and Wrist Pain Diagnosed

Though it can be challenging to diagnose the exact cause of pain, it is vital to get an accurate diagnosis for precise treatment and timely healing. The diagnosis starts with evaluation of symptoms and physical examination. The intensity of the symptoms may differ according to the cause. Different conditions have varying intensities of pain. The location of the pain also provides clues for the underlying cause.

During the physical exam, the doctor may:

• Check the wrist for tenderness, swelling, or deformity
• Assess grip strength and forearm strength
• Ask the patient to move their wrist to check for a decrease in range of motion

Based on the conclusions drawn from physical examination the doctor will recommend one or more of the following:

• Imaging tests like x-rays to detect fractures or Osteoarthritis, CT to detect fractures that aren’t revealed by x-rays, MRI to create detailed images of bones and soft tissue and ultrasound to visualize the tendons, ligaments, and cysts
• Arthroscopy to get a real-time view of the inside of the joint
• Nerve tests like electromyogram (EMG), to record the electrical activity

How is Hand and Wrist Pain Treated

If the pain, redness and swelling are severe or last for a long time, you must see a doctor. Delay in treatment can result in poor healing and long-term disability. The treatment plan for hand and wrist pain includes one or more of the following:

Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce hand and wrist pain. The doctor may prescribe a stronger medication if required.

Physical Therapy: The right kind of exercises and physical therapy by an expert physical therapist can provide relief from pain, re-align fractured bones and help with post-surgery rehabilitation

Surgery: In rare cases the doctor will recommend a surgery. Some of such instances are:

• Bone fractures: The surgeon performs a surgery to connect the bones with metal hardware
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: During the surgery to correct Carpal tunnel syndrome, the ligament above the tunnel is cut open to release the pressure over the nerve
• Tendon or ligament repair: The surgeon performs a surgical procedure to repair the ruptured tendons or ligaments.