Most people suffer from hand or wrist pain at some point in their lives. It’s just an inevitable result of using your hands, whether from working a lot or exercising or for any number of reasons. But when the pain doesn’t go away with a little rest and ice, when it becomes chronic and starts actively interfering in your life, it’s time to start thinking about more serious treatment.
The Causes of Hand Pain
The hand is a delicate instrument with 27 bones divided across three major categories: the phalanges, metacarpal, and carpal bones. In addition to that, a complicated network of fibrous tissue and muscles criss-cross your hands every which way, with tendons stretched across your hand and forearm.
That means there’s no one determined source of hand pain. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Injuries
Hands can be hurt by either a single sustained injury or repetitive strain. You might hurt them at the gym, for example, or strain the tendons in your wrists from extended periods spent typing away at a computer. Improper posture, like clutching a computer mouse or mobile phone incorrectly, can also lead to injury.
Don’t ignore a hand injury just because the causes seem mundane. Some injuries won’t heal without treatment, so be sure to have a doctor look at them.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
It’s one of the most common types of hand and wrist pain, affecting between 4 and 10 million Americans. Carpal Tunnel is characterized by:
- Tingling and numbness in the hands and upper wrist.
- Weakness or inability to grasp basic items.
- Pain in the fingers or wrist area.
Nerve compression is the most common reason for carpal tunnel. People with carpal tunnel often have to make significant lifestyle changes to minimize the condition’s effect their lives, which isn’t always workable. It may be treatable with physical therapy or surgery, however.
Arthritis
Arthritis is by far the most common reason for hand pain. Cartilage, the tissue that covers the joints, tends to reduce with age, potentially causing a painful form of arthritis called osteoarthritis. If you’re feeling pain in your hands, watch out for these arthritis symptoms too:
- Swelling, especially around the joints in your fingers.
- Hand stiffness or any feelings of grinding.
- Sensations of warmth or burning—these are warning signs of inflammation.
We can treat arthritis with anti-inflammatory medications or a splint, but some cases will require more extensive physical therapy or surgery.
Treatment Options for Hand Pain in Midland-Odessa
Midland Spine Institute is proud to offer a range of treatments for anyone living with hand and wrist pain in the Permian Basin. We are located at a premier facility equipped with the latest medical technologies to help us deliver top-quality healthcare and pain management.
Call us at (432) 400-3401 or fill out the form on our contact page to learn more about our services. Our board-certified professionals are qualified in managing pain related to hand or wrist pain. We’re not just competent; we’re compassionate.
