When Should You Seek Medical Help If You’re Experiencing Hand Pain

Our hands are an integral part of our daily lives, and any pain or discomfort in them can significantly impact our ability to perform even the simplest tasks.

Hand pain can result from various underlying medical/surgical conditions. For this reason, it is essential to identify the cause of the underlying pain and in turn to seek timely medical attention to prevent any long-term dysfunction or complications.

Causes of Hand Pain

Hand pain and dysfunction can result from conditions like trauma, repetitive strain, arthritis, nerve compression syndromes, nerve injury or infections.

The following are some of the most common causes of hand pain:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This is common in repetitive work like construction workers or receptionists.
2. Arthritis: This is an inflammatory condition commonly seen in older patients, that results in stiffness in many different joints, including but not limited, to the hands.
3. Tendonitis: This is a condition that results when the tendons in the wrists, hands or fingers become overworked, inflamed and in turn irritated and swollen.
4. Ganglion Cysts: This is a condition where patients with repetitive injuries develop lumps or swelling at their joints/fingers/wrists due to small tears in their ligaments.
5. Trigger Finger: This is a condition that causes the fingers to become stuck in a bent position due to swelling at the tendons, again due to repetitive irritation/motions.

Types of Hand Pain

Hand dysfunction can manifest in several ways, and the type of dysfunction can provide valuable information as to the underlying cause.

The following are some of the different types of hand pain:

1. Numbness and Tingling: This presentation can be caused by nerve compression and can lead to a loss of sensation in the hand or fingers.
2. Sharp Pain: Sharp or stabbing pain can be a result of injury or nerve compression.
3. Dull Ache: Dull aches can be due to overuse or arthritis.
4. Burning Sensation: This presentation can be due to either nerve damage, trauma, or injury.

When Is The Right Time to See a Hand Specialist

If you are experiencing persistent hand pain or dysfunction or notice other symptoms that are concerning or confusing, it is important to seek appropriate medical advice from a qualified hand specialist.

A hand specialist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and the treatment of upper extremity issues including problems with wrists, hand and fingers. The hand specialist can help identify the underlying cause of your hand pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to treat and alleviate your symptoms.

It is important to seek the help of a hand specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

1. Loss of sensation in the hand or fingers.
2. Swelling or redness in the hand.
3. Difficulty using the hand or fingers.
4. Stiffness or decreased range of motion.
5. Numbness or weakness in the hand or fingers.

If there is a need for the involvement of a hand specialist, you are welcome to contact us at the Ward Institute at any time at our offices.

We will be more than happy to attend to your needs and develop a customized treatment plan that will fit your situation.

Contact us now for a consultation at the Ward Institute.