Hand Pain Specialist

What causes hand pain?

Numerous factors can lead to hand pain. Some are easy to identify, while others are harder to diagnose. If you’ve suffered a traumatic injury to your hand, there’s little question of the source of pain.

More often, however, a visible injury isn’t the cause. Some common causes of hand pain include:

• Arthritis
• Tumors
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Certain diseases, including diabetes

You can treat each of these conditions to relieve hand pain. To correctly diagnose the source of pain, it’s important to provide your doctor with information about when the pain began and what type of symptoms you’re experiencing.

What is de Quervain’s tendinitis?

This is a condition that leads to pain on your thumb and the side of your wrist. That pain can even extend up to your forearm.

People with de Quervain’s tendinitis often find it painful to turn their wrist, make a fist, or grab and hold objects. The pain may come on suddenly or could gradually develop over time.

This condition usually develops because of overuse of the hand and wrist or repetitive motions. Many people develop de Quervain’s tendinitis after starting a new job when they use their hands in unfamiliar ways.

Treatment options for de Quervain’s tendinitis include a splint that can maintain the thumb and wrist in the proper position during the healing process. Some people find relief through anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone shots. You can achieve long-term relief by altering the way you use your hands at home or work.  

When should I see a doctor for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the median nerve in your wrist suffers from excess pressure. This nerve runs from your hand to your forearm through a narrow space in your wrist known as the carpal tunnel. When swelling further narrows the tunnel, pain and other sensations occur.

Many people suffer from carpal tunnel for years before seeking medical care. There are numerous treatments for this condition, and there’s no reason to delay a visit to your doctor to address the problem.

The following symptoms should prompt an immediate call to your doctor:

• Gradual loss of feeling in your hand or fingers
• Inability to pinch your thumb and index finger together
• Tingling, weakness, numbness, or pain in your hand or fingers that persists for more than two weeks
• Inability to complete normal hand movements

Scheduling an appointment at Apex Medical Center to treat hand pain is fast, easy, and can be done online.