Your hands are made up of intricately connected structures that are responsible for their movement, function, and precision. Despite the indispensable role they play, these structures are also potential sites for injury or painful conditions that can threaten the normal function and movement of your hands.
If you’re experiencing hand pain, you can alleviate it by resting your hand, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and/or alternating cold and heat therapy. Most cases of hand pain usually get better with these basic remedies. However, there are those that may need a visit to a hand specialist.
Let’s learn about the specific signs and symptoms that tell you it’s time to see a hand specialist for your hand pain and its possible causes.
Signs That Tell You It’s Time to See a Hand Specialist
The following are signs that warrant a visit to a hand specialist. A hand specialist can evaluate your symptoms and diagnose the underlying cause of your hand pain.
- Exhibiting other symptoms such as stiffness, a burning or throbbing sensation, and/or restricted range of motion
- Hand pain preceded by a fall or other accident
- Intermittent hand pain (episodic pain)
- Severe pain or one that doesn’t get better even after a few weeks of conservative treatment and/or that gets worse with time
- Symptoms are interfering with your daily life
Possible Causes of Hand Pain
There are various possible causes of hand pain, but the following are some of the most common:
· Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the tissues and tendons around your carpal tunnel—the narrow passageway on the palm side of your hand that houses your median nerve—become swollen, causing pressure on your median nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes weakness and tingling sensations that are felt in your thumb, index finger, and middle fingers. It can make it difficult for you to make a gripping motion with your hand.
· Osteoarthritis of the Hand
This is caused by the gradual degeneration of your hand joints. Hand arthritis can cause stiffness and difficulty gripping or grasping objects. Hand arthritis is progressive and needs proper management.
· Ganglion Cysts
These are fluid-filled cysts that form in the hands. They cause pain and weakness in the wrists and may grow to a size that requires medical intervention for fluid drainage.
Ganglion cysts may develop due to injury, overuse, and arthritis.
· Fracture
A hand fracture can occur as a result of a fall or impact during a traffic accident or contact sport. Your hand may hurt and swell, and you could find it hard to move. You may also notice a change in its shape.
Highly Skilled Hand Specialists in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Dr. Michael L. Jones has had extensive education and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of hand conditions. Although Dr. Jones is an expert in hand surgeries, he often recommends nonsurgical options, such as hand therapy, which is a combination of physical and occupational therapy, to restore the normal function and movement of the hand.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones, call our clinic at (210) 692-7400 or use our online request form.
