Top 10 causes of hand pain and what to do

Hand pain can happen due to autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, or due to repetitive movements, such as tendonitis and tenosynovitis. Although it can indicate serious diseases, pain in the hands can be easily treated through physical therapy or with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, according to the orthopedist's recommendation.

This pain is usually accompanied by difficulty in performing simple movements, such as holding a glass or writing, for example. When the pain is persistent or the hand hurts even at rest, it is recommended to go to the medical emergency or consult the orthopedist so that tests can be carried out, a diagnosis can be made and, thus, the best treatment can be started.

The top 10 causes of hand pain are:

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is the main cause of pain in the hands and corresponds to inflammation of the joints that results in constant pain, stiffness and difficulty in moving the joint. This inflammation can affect both the wrist and finger joints, causing pain and preventing simple movements, such as writing or picking up an object.

What to do: The most indicated in the case of arthritis is to go to an orthopedist to confirm the diagnosis and to start the treatment, which is usually done with physiotherapy and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain.

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in professions that require the use of hands, such as hairdressers and programmers, and is characterized by compression of the nerve that passes through the wrist and irrigates the palm, causing tingling and fine pains in the fingers..

What to do: Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome should be started as soon as the first symptoms appear to prevent the syndrome from developing and become a more serious problem. Treatment is done with physiotherapy, but in more severe cases surgery may be recommended. See how treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is done.

3. Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons of the hands due to repetitive efforts, causing swelling, tingling, burning and pain in the hands even with small movements. Tendonitis is common in people who always perform the same movement, such as seamstresses, cleaning ladies and people who type for a long time.

What to do: When tendonitis symptoms are noticed, it is important to stop performing the activity for a while, to avoid more serious injuries. In addition, it is recommended to put ice on the affected area to relieve symptoms and take anti-inflammatory drugs according to the doctor's guidance. Find out what are the 6 steps to treat tendonitis of the hands.

4. Fracture

The fracture in the hand, wrist or finger is common in people who play sports such as handball or boxing, for example, but it can also happen due to accidents or blows and is characterized by color change, swelling and pain in the fractured region. Thus, it is difficult to make any movement when the hand, finger or wrist is fractured. Know other signs and symptoms of fracture.

What to do: It is recommended to perform an X-ray to confirm the fracture, in addition to immobilizing the fractured region, to prevent the hand from being used and ending up worsening the fracture. In addition, the use of some medication to relieve pain, such as Paracetamol, may be indicated by the doctor. Depending on the extent and severity of the fracture, physical therapy may be recommended to assist in recovery of movement.

5. Drop

Gout is a disease characterized by the accumulation of uric acid in the blood that can lead to swelling and difficulty in moving the affected joint. It is more common for symptoms to be noticed on the toe, however gout can also affect the hands, leaving the fingers swollen and sore.

What to do: The diagnosis is made by the rheumatologist, usually confirmation is made by laboratory tests that indicate the concentration of uric acid in the blood and urine, and the most commonly indicated treatment is the use of drugs to relieve pain and inflammation, like Allopurinol, for example. Learn more about gout treatment.

6. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by pain, redness, swelling and difficulty in moving the affected joint with the hand joint.

What to do: It is recommended to go to the rheumatologist to make the correct diagnosis, which is usually done through observation of symptoms and laboratory tests. After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor may indicate the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs. In addition, it is recommended to perform physical therapy and adopt a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as tuna, salmon and orange, for example.

7. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in the skin, eyes, brain, heart, lung and joints, such as the hands. Learn how to identify lupus.

What to do: Treatment is done according to the rheumatologist's guidance and is usually done with the use of anti-inflammatories, to relieve pain and inflammation, and immunosuppressive drugs, in addition to physical therapy.

8. Tenosynovitis

Tenosynovitis corresponds to inflammation of the tendon and tissue that surrounds a group of tendons, causing pain and a feeling of muscle weakness, which can make it difficult to hold a glass or fork, for example, as it becomes painful. Tenosynovitis can be caused by strokes, changes in the immune system, infection and hormonal changes.

What to do: In the case of tenosynovitis, it is recommended to leave the affected joint at rest, avoiding any movement that uses that joint. In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids and physical therapy sessions may be indicated, so that joint recovery is faster.

9. Raynaud's disease

Raynaud's disease is characterized by a change in circulation, due to exposure to cold or sudden emotional changes, which leaves the fingertips whitish and cold, leading to the sensation of tingling and pulsating pain. Learn more about Raynaud's disease.

What to do: To relieve symptoms, you can warm your fingertips, thereby stimulating circulation. However, if they start to get dark, it is important to go to the doctor to avoid progressing to a condition of necrosis, in which it is necessary to amputate the fingertip.

10. Dupuytren's contracture

In Dupuytren's contracture, the person has difficulty opening the hand completely, presenting pain in the palm of the hand and the presence of a 'rope' that seems to hold the finger. Generally men are more affected, from the age of 50, and the palm of the hand can be very painful, requiring treatment, because when the treatment is not started the contracture gets worse and the affected fingers get more and more difficult to open.

What to do: If there are signs indicative of this type of injury, it is recommended that the person go to the doctor so that the hand is evaluated and can reach a diagnosis. The most indicated treatment is physiotherapy, but it is possible to opt for the injection of collagenase or surgery to eliminate the contracture of the palmar fascia.

When to go to the doctor

It is important to go to the doctor when the pain in the hand is persistent, appears suddenly or when there is pain even when no effort is made with the hands. When the cause is identified, the use of medications to relieve pain or inflammation may be indicated by the doctor, in addition to physical therapy and hand rest.