Hand Pain

Many things can cause hand pain. Some common causes are:

• An injury.
• Repeating the same movement with your hand over and over (overuse).
• Osteoporosis.
• Arthritis.
• Lumps in the tendons or joints of the hand and wrist (ganglion cysts).
• Infection.

Follow these instructions at home:

Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms. Take these actions to help with your discomfort:

• If directed, put ice on the affected area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 15–20 minutes, 3‒4 times a day for 2 days.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Minimize stress on your hands and wrists as much as possible.
• Take breaks from repetitive activity often.
• Do stretches as told by your health care provider.
• Do not do activities that make your pain worse.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your pain does not get better after a few days of self-care.
• Your pain gets worse.
• Your pain affects your ability to do your daily activities.

Get help right away if:

• Your hand becomes warm, red, or swollen.
• Your hand is numb or tingling.
• Your hand is extremely swollen or deformed.
• Your hand or fingers turn white or blue.
• You cannot move your hand, wrist, or fingers.