Hand pain can result from injuries, arthritis, and other health problems, including autoimmune diseases.
Human hands are complex and delicate structures made up of 27 bones. The muscles and joints of the hand allow for powerful, precise and dexterous movements, but are prone to injury.
There are many different causes and types of arm pain. Arm pain can originate from different parts of the complex skeletal structure, including:
- Bone
- joints
- connective tissue
- tendons
- Bother
Arm pain can be caused by:
- inflammation
- nerve damage
- Repetitive motion injuries
- sprains and fractures
- various chronic health conditions
Many conditions that cause hand pain can be treated. Depending on the cause of your arm pain, medication, exercise, or lifestyle changes may be beneficial for you.
Arthritis(inflammation of one or more joints) is the main cause of hand pain. It can appear anywhere on the body, but is especially common on the hands and wrists. There are more than 100 different onestypes of arthritisbut the most common ones arearthropathyirheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis usually affects the elderly. Over the years, the joints of the hands are subject to a lot of wear and tear. Articular cartilage is a slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows smooth movement of joints. Painful symptoms may occur as it gradually subsides.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that can affect many parts of the body. This causes the joints to swell, causing pain and stiffness. It often starts in the hands or feet and affects the same joints on both sides of the body.Learn how to relieve arthritis pain naturally.
Symptoms of arthritis include:
- dull or burning pain in the joints of the fingers or wrist;
- Pain after overuse (eg, heavy gripping or repetitive motion)
- Morning pain and stiffness in joints
- swelling around the joints
- Changes in the surrounding joints of the thumb (hyperextension)
- Warmth in the affected joint (as a result of inflammation)
- Sensations of grinding, grinding or loosening in the area of the finger joints
- small cysts on fingertips
Common treatments for arthritis include:
- Medicationto treat the symptoms of pain and swelling
- Injections of long-acting anesthetics or steroids
- Articulated splints in case of excessive use
- Mode
- Modalities of occupational therapy/physiotherapy
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage of ligaments and bones at the base of the hand. It contains the median nerve (a nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand) and the tendons responsible for finger movement.
Carpal Tunnel SyndromeIt develops when the median nerve is compressed by a narrow carpal tunnel. This narrowing can be caused by thickening of irritated tendons, inflammation, or anything else that can cause swelling in the area.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome begin insidiously and can reach varying degrees of severity. Symptoms include frequent burning, tingling or numbness with itching in the palm and fingers. The pain is often felt in the thumb, index and middle fingers.
Other carpal tunnel symptoms include:
- Fingers feel like they are swollen even when there is no swelling
- pain at night
- Hand or wrist pain and stiffness in the morning
- reduced grip strength
- Difficulty grasping small objects or performing certain tasks
- Atrophy of the muscles at the base of the thumb (severe cases)
- Difficulty telling the difference between hot and cold
Common treatments:
- rail
- Avoid uncomfortable activities
- with ice orcoole Packs
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
- receiving anesthetic or steroid injections
- Take oral steroids
- implementationand stretching
- I haveAcupuncture
- you have an operation
De Quervain's tendonitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons around the thumb. Swelling of the two tendons around the base of the thumb leads to inflammation of the tendon area. This inflammation puts pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and numbness at the base of the thumb.
Other symptoms of de Quervain's tendinitis include:
- Pain around thumb side of wrist
- Swelling near the base of the thumb
- Difficulty grasping or biting
- tingling or popping sensation when you move your thumb
Common treatments for de Quervain's tendonitis include:
- rail
- Apply ice or cold compresses
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- Avoid painful tasks and pinching movements
- I havephysical therapyoccupational therapy
- he is having an operation
- Steroid injection into the area
ganglion cystson the wrist and hand are usually not painful but can be unsightly. They usually appear as a large mass or lump coming from the back of the wrist. They can also vary in size on the underside of the wrist, the wrist joint or the base of the fingers.
These cysts are filled with fluid and can appear, disappear, or change size quickly. If your ganglion cyst grows so large that it puts pressure on nearby nerves, you may experience pain, tingling, or numbness in your wrist or hand.
Ganglion cysts can often go away without treatment. Rest and a brace can reduce the size of the cyst, and it may go away over time. If it causes pain, your doctor may decide to drain the fluid from the cystremove it completely.
drops, a complex form of arthritis, is an extremely painful condition that can affect anyone. People with gout experience sudden and severe attacks of joint pain. Gout most commonly affects the joint at the base of the big toe, but can occur anywhere in the feet, knees, hands, and wrists.
When you have gout in your hands or wrists, you experience severe pain, burning, redness, and tenderness. Gout often wakes people up at night. You may feel like your hand is on fire. The weight of a sheet can seem unbearable.
There are manyMedicationavailable for treatmentpainfulGout attacks, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) andColchicine. There are also medications that help prevent future seizures and complications.Learn more about treating gout with traditional and alternative therapies.
WolfIt's an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and damages healthy tissue. Joint pain and stiffness are often the causefirst signsthe wolf
When lupus breaks out, there is inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation causes the thin lining around the joints to thicken, causing pain and swelling in the hands, wrists and feet.
Other symptoms of lupus include:
- muscle pain
- an unexplained fever
- red rashes, often on the face
- hair loss
- pale or purple fingers or toes;
- pain when you take a deep breath
- fatigue
- swelling in the legs or around the eyes
There is no cure for lupus, but there are many treatment options that can help relieve your symptoms. For pain and stiffness in the joints of the hand and wrist, try:
- a hot or cold compress
- without painMedication
- AINE
- Physiotherapy or occupational therapy
- Rest painful joints and avoid painful activities
peripheral neuropathyIt is a condition that causes numbness, pain and weakness in the arms and legs. Peripheral neuropathy of the hands occurs when the peripheral nerves are damaged.
There are many causes that can cause damage to peripheral nerves, including diabetes, traumatic injury, infection, and metabolic problems.
Peripheral neuropathy can affect one or more nerves throughout the body. Your hands and wrists have different types of nerves, including sensory nerves that sense things like touch, temperature, and pain, and motor nerves that control muscle movement.
The type and location of your neuropathic pain depends on which nerves are affected.
The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Numbness, itching or tingling in the feet or hands that comes on gradually
- sharp, stabbing, throbbing, freezing, or burning pain in your arms or legs;
- extreme sensitivity in hands or feet
- muscle weakness or paralysis
- lack of coordination; down
Common treatments for peripheral neuropathy include:
- prescription drugs used to treat nerve pain;
- over-the-counter pain relievers
- prescription painkillers
- Anticonvulsant drugs
- Antidepressants
(Video) Possible causes of arm pain
Raynaud's phenomenon, also known as Raynaud's disease, causes certain areas (especially your fingers and toes) to feel numb and cold when you are stressed orexposed to low temperatures.
When you're cold, it's normal for your body to retain heat by reducing the blood supply to the skin. It does this by narrowing the blood vessels.
In people with Raynaud's syndrome, the body's reaction to cold or stress is more intense. The blood vessels in the hands can narrow much faster and more than normal.
Symptoms of Raynaud's crisis may include:
- cold fingers and toes;
- fingers and toes that change color (red, white, blue)
- Numbness or tingling, throbbing or itching
- Wounds, gangrene, ulcers and tissue damage (in severe cases)
Primary Raynaud's syndrome is usually so mild that no treatment is needed. But secondary Raynaud's syndrome resulting from another health condition can be more serious and require surgery.
Treatment focuses on preventing further attacks and reducing the chance of tissue damage.
It's all about keeping your hands and feet warm with gloves in low temperatures,media, boots and chemical heaters.
finger on the trigger, also known as stenotic tendonitis, is a painful condition that occurs when the finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position.
As you move your fingers, the tendons slide through tunnels called tendon sheaths. When these tunnels swell, the tendon can no longer slide and sticks.
If you have trigger finger, you may feel a tender knot and warmth at the top of your palm, at the base of the finger where the tendon sheath is located. Other symptoms are:
- a popping or snapping sensation when you stretch and bend your finger
- One or more fingers are pinched in flexion
- Stiffness and inability to straighten the finger in the morning
- severe pain at the base of the fingers
Common treatments for trigger finger include:
- AINE
- a steroid injection directly into the tendon sheath
- Modeto relax the tendon sheath
Hand injuries are extremely common. The complex structure of the hand is delicate and vulnerable. Your hands are constantly at risk. Hand injuries are common in sports, construction and falls.
There are 27 small bones in each hand that can be broken in different ways.fractionsIt can heal badly in the hand if not treated properly. A poorly healed fracture can permanently change the structure and mobility of your hand.
There are also muscles in the hand that can twist or turn. Always go to your doctor and get an x-ray to make sure there are no fractures. Physical or occupational therapy is an essential part of treating any serious hand injury.
Treatment for fractures and sprains varies depending on the type and location of the injury. A splint is a common treatment option.Here's how to make a temporary splint using available materials.
In severe cases, surgery may be needed to prevent long-term damage.
There are a few strategies you can use to relieve hand pain:
tips
- Usehot and cold. Use a heat pack for stiffness and a cold pack for swelling.Compare?
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- Carry overover-the-counter pain relievers. This may provide occasional or short-term relief. Ask your doctor about long-term solutions.Buy painkillers without a prescription.
- Wear a splint to stabilize your joints and prevent further injury.Buy splints.
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(Video) Is THIS Causing Your Arm Pain or Tingling? Fix Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
There are many different causes of arm pain. In general, you should see your doctor if you develop new pain or if your pain suddenly gets worse.
Some hand problems develop gradually. Talk to your doctor if the pain is getting progressively worse and has been bothering you for some time. For a traumatic injury, go to your local emergency room or acute care center for an X-ray.
You can use this to get in touch with a GP in your areaGesundLine FindCare Tool.
FAQs
Arm Pain: 10 Possible Causes? ›
Arm pain may develop from abnormalities or injury to the bones, skin, nerves, joints, or blood vessels. Natural wear and tear, overuse, trauma, or underlying conditions can also cause arm pain. Any part of the arm may be affected, including the lower arm, upper arm, joints, or shoulder.
Why is my arm hurting for no reason? ›Arm pain may develop from abnormalities or injury to the bones, skin, nerves, joints, or blood vessels. Natural wear and tear, overuse, trauma, or underlying conditions can also cause arm pain. Any part of the arm may be affected, including the lower arm, upper arm, joints, or shoulder.
What is the most common cause of arm pain? ›The commonest cause of arm pain is trauma and wear and tear or degeneration of tissues over time. This relates to spinal causes of arm pain and to systemic e.g. arthritis, peripheral vascular disease, tennis and golfers elbow etc. Severe traumatic injury to the spine can occur from diving accidents and contact sports.
How do I know if my arm pain is serious? ›- Arm, shoulder or back pain that comes on suddenly, is severe, or occurs with pressure, fullness or squeezing in your chest. ...
- An unusual angle to your arm, shoulder or wrist or if you can see bone, especially if you have bleeding or other injuries.
What diseases can cause arm pain? Arm pain can be a symptom of several conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease that can affect wrist, elbow, or shoulder joints, can lead to arm pain. Heart disease can also be a possible cause of arm pain.
What does cardiac arm pain feel like? ›In men, the left arm pain will move from the shoulder down the left arm or up to the chin. If the pain comes on suddenly and is unusually severe, or is accompanied by pressure or squeezing in the chest, seek emergency treatment immediately. In women, the pain can be subtler. It can radiate to the right or left arm.
Does arm pain mean heart problems? ›Arm pain
You might not associate arm pain with your heart, but it can be a sign of a heart attack. Professor Newby says: “If your pain is going down the arm, especially the left arm, or into the neck that makes it more likely to be heart-related than indigestion.
The most common cause of elbow and shoulder pain is tendinitis — an inflammation and injury to the tendons — that's caused by overuse.
What to do if your arm keeps hurting? ›Take a break from any activity that may cause pain. Put ice or a cold pack on your arm for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Prop up the sore arm on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days.
Is there a virus that causes arm pain? ›The most frequent viral causes of myositis are the influenza viruses and enteroviruses, with symptoms of myositis typically starting a few days after the onset of fever. Symptoms are most prominent in the proximal musculature (arms and legs), and pain is often exacerbated by movement.
What doctor should you see for arm pain? ›
If you're experiencing arm pain, and it's not related to a heart-related matter or event, it's important to still seek help from an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.
Does arm pain mean stroke? ›Can a stroke cause arm pain? A stroke can leave you with pain in your arm and shoulder. The effects of a stroke can lead to arm muscle weakness, tightness, or to a lack of feeling in your arm. It can also lead to problems with the ball and socket joint that form your shoulder.
How do you know if arm pain is muscle or heart related? ›If the pain worsens with movement or when lifting something, it could be muscular. Otherwise, consider a pressure or tightness in your chest and pain or heaviness in your arms as possible heart attack symptoms and get medical attention immediately.
What is fibromyalgia arm pain? ›The discomfort from fibromyalgia may feel like burning, soreness, stiffness, aching, or gnawing pain, often times with sore spots in certain parts of your muscles. The pain may feel like arthritis. But it doesn't damage muscles or bones.
Can arm pain be neurological? ›Parsonage Turner syndrome (brachial neuritis) is a neurological disorder that causes sudden and severe pain in your upper arm and shoulder. Weakness in the muscles of the shoulder, arm, forearm or hand follow the pain, which lasts from days to a few weeks.
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia in the arms? ›- Muscle and joint stiffness.
- Tenderness to touch.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
- Problems with concentrating, thinking clearly, and memory (sometimes called “fibro fog”).
- Heightened sensitivity to light, noise, odors, and temperature.
For men: Pain will spread to the left shoulder, down the left arm or up to the chin. For women: Pain can be much more subtle. It may travel to the left or right arm, up to the chin, shoulder blades and upper back — or to abdomen (as nausea and/or indigestion and anxiety).
How do you know if left arm pain is not heart related? ›Note the duration of pain
If the left arm pain lasts only for few seconds then it is unlikely that it is due to any heart ailment. If the pain persists for a long time (for days or even weeks), it is also unlikely that it has something to do with your heart.
Warning signs and symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, chronic coughing or wheezing, swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and others. Heart failure means the heart has failed to pump the way it should in order to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
Can heart blockage cause arm pain? ›1 and 2: Severe hand pain and numbness or loss of pulse
Blockages in the arteries that supply blood to your arms can occur due to a blood clot arriving from your heart. The arteries in your chest could also become injured or affected by arm artery disease due to multiple causes.
What does anxiety arm pain feel like? ›
Left Arm Pain and Anxiety
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), people with anxiety habitually experience chronic pain like muscle tension, body soreness, and headaches. For some, this pain can appear in the left arm.
Bursitis (bur-SY-tis) is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs — called bursae (bur-SEE) — that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed. The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip.
When is shoulder and arm pain serious? ›See a GP if: shoulder pain is getting worse or does not improve after 2 weeks. it's very difficult to move your arm or shoulder.
Why does my arm hurt right under my shoulder? ›Rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis are two of the most common causes of arm pain. These conditions can be caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or direct trauma to the area. Exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the shoulder and elbow can help to relieve pain from these conditions.
Why do I have arm pain everyday? ›Chronic Arm Pain Can Have Many Causes
You could have had a fall, a traumatic injury, or repetitive movement for work that is the source of your chronic arm pain. An injury to your rotator cuff is one of the most common causes of chronic arm pain. It involves the tendons and muscles that are connected to your shoulder.
Arm pains are often from hard muscle work or sports. Examples are too much throwing or swimming. They are most common in the shoulder. This type of pain can last from hours up to 7 days.
What does lupus muscle pain feel like? ›Many people described the pain of lupus as similar to having the flu. This means having chills and bone-weary aches throughout your entire body. The pain can be numbing and leave you feeling drained of all energy. “I explain it to others as feeling like the flu: achy joints, muscles, bones.”
Can long Covid cause arm pain? ›According to the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), myalgia is amongst the common lasting symptoms after having COVID. Sometimes your joints and muscles might: Ache. Feel painful.
What are the first signs of myositis? ›- Difficulty standing up from a seated position.
- Difficulty climbing stairs.
- Difficulty lifting the arms.
- Fatigue after standing or walking a long time.
- Trouble swallowing or breathing.
- Muscle pain that does not subside within a few weeks.
Blood tests can help your doctor detect some conditions that can cause arm pain, such as diabetes, or certain conditions that cause inflammation of the joints. X-rays can help your doctor diagnose broken or fractured bones.
Can stress cause arm pain? ›
Anxiety can cause muscles in the arm to become tense, and that tension could lead to pain. Although muscle tension — sometimes the result of anxiety — is the most likely source of arm pain, it is not the only possible cause. Heart attack, angina, and injury are other possible causes.
Why is my left arm aching? ›A pain in your left arm could mean you have a bone or joint injury, a pinched nerve, or a problem with your heart. Read on to learn more about the causes of left arm pain and what symptoms could signal a serious problem.
Does your arm hurt after a mini stroke? ›Some people regain full use of their arm in the weeks after a stroke. Many others still have some weakness, pain, or other problems with their arm.
What are the warning signs of a stroke days before? ›Some people will experience symptoms such as headache, numbness or tingling several days before they have a serious stroke. One study found that 43% of stroke patients experienced mini-stroke symptoms up to a week before they had a major stroke.
Can heart inflammation cause arm pain? ›Yes, symptoms of heart attack can include pain in the right arm, left arm, or both arms.
What are the 2 most common symptoms of fibromyalgia? ›- Widespread pain. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. ...
- Fatigue. ...
- Cognitive difficulties.
Other researchers believe fibromyalgia is caused by a lack of deep sleep. It is during stage 4 sleep that muscles recover from the prior day's activity, and the body refreshes itself. Sleep studies show that as people with fibromyalgia enter stage 4 sleep, they become more aroused and stay in a lighter form of sleep.
What does neuropathy in arms feel like? ›prickling and tingling sensation in the affected body part pins and needles. numbness and less of an ability to feel pain or changes in temperature, particularly in your feet. a burning or sharp pain, usually in the feet.
How do I know if my arm pain is nerve related? ›Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve. Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward. Tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia) Muscle weakness in the affected area.
What does MS shoulder pain feel like? ›Each person experiences pain differently, including those in diagnosed with MS. For some, shoulder pain may feel sharp and sudden, while others may feel a dull, steady ache that lasts through the day.
What is the number one symptom of fibromyalgia? ›
If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.
Can fibromyalgia cause pain in one arm? ›Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and tenderness all over the body, including the arms. Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia may experience arm pain due to a variety of factors, including: Tender points or trigger points are localised areas of tenderness and pain that can develop as a result of fibromyalgia.
Can arm pain be caused by stress? ›Anxiety can cause muscles in the arm to become tense, and that tension could lead to pain. Although muscle tension — sometimes the result of anxiety — is the most likely source of arm pain, it is not the only possible cause. Heart attack, angina, and injury are other possible causes.
Can GERD cause left arm pain? ›GERD-related chest pain can be squeezing or burning in nature, substernal in location, and may radiate to the back, neck, jaws, or arms. The pain may be worse after meals and wake the patient from sleep.
What causes left arm pain that comes and goes? ›Left arm pain can be a symptom of many different conditions, including heart attack, angina, bursitis, tendonitis, and nerve damage.
What part of your arm hurts with heart pain? ›Symptoms can be different for men and women
For men: Pain will spread to the left shoulder, down the left arm or up to the chin. For women: Pain can be much more subtle. It may travel to the left or right arm, up to the chin, shoulder blades and upper back — or to abdomen (as nausea and/or indigestion and anxiety).
Arm pain can have many different causes. These may include wear and tear, overuse, injury, a pinched nerve, and certain health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. Depending on the cause, arm pain can start suddenly or develop over time.
Does left arm pain always mean heart problems? ›While left arm pain is not always a sign of a heart attack or angina, these are the most dangerous causes of this symptom. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if breathlessness, nausea, chest pain, and dizziness accompany arm pain.
What kind of doctor do you see for arm pain? ›If you're experiencing arm pain, and it's not related to a heart-related matter or event, it's important to still seek help from an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.
What is pain in upper left arm? ›A pain in your left arm could mean you have a bone or joint injury, a pinched nerve, or a problem with your heart. Read on to learn more about the causes of left arm pain and what symptoms could signal a serious problem.
How do you get rid of arm pain naturally? ›
- Rest. Sometimes, all the body needs is rest. Rest the area in pain, and avoid strenuous exercise and movement.
- Ice.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers.
- Compression.
- Elevation. Keep your arm elevated to help reduce swelling and pain.