What Is Hand Pain?
Hand pain refers to discomfort anywhere in the hand, from the wrist to the fingertips. Each hand contains 27 bones, along with a dense network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, all working together for the fine motor control your hands provide.
Hand pain can stem from a specific injury, joint issues like arthritis, repetitive strain, or nerve compression originating in the wrist, elbow, or even the neck.
Common Causes of Hand Pain
- Arthritis — wear on the many small joints of the hand is one of the most common causes of chronic hand pain.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — compression of the median nerve at the wrist can cause pain and numbness that’s felt in the hand.
- Repetitive strain — repeated gripping or fine motor tasks can strain the muscles and tendons of the hand.
- Trigger finger — a tendon condition that causes a finger to catch or lock when bending.
- Sprain or fracture — injury to one of the hand’s many small joints or bones.
- Nerve compression elsewhere — issues in the wrist, elbow, or neck can cause pain felt in the hand.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Pain, aching, or stiffness in the hand or fingers
- Swelling in the joints of the hand
- Weakness when gripping or pinching objects
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- A catching or locking sensation in a finger
- Reduced range of motion in the hand or fingers
When to See a Doctor
Most hand pain improves with conservative care. But certain symptoms call for prompt evaluation.
Seek care promptly if:
- Visible deformity or inability to move the hand after an injury
- Numbness or tingling that’s persistent or worsening
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
- Sudden weakness affecting fine motor tasks
- Pain that hasn’t improved after several weeks
If any of these apply to you, call 386-400-3620 to schedule an evaluation rather than waiting it out.
How We Treat Hand Pain at Kyro Care
Every case starts with a physical exam to determine whether your hand pain is coming from a joint, tendon, or nerve issue, and where that issue originates. Once we understand the cause, treatment may include:
Chiropractic adjustment
Addresses alignment issues in the wrist and hand, and can relieve nerve compression originating in the neck.
Soft-tissue therapy
Reduces tension in the muscles and tendons of the hand and forearm.
Targeted stretches and exercises
Improves flexibility and strengthens the muscles supporting the hand.
Activity and ergonomic guidance
Practical recommendations to reduce repetitive strain during daily tasks.
We focus on conservative, non-surgical care first. call 386-400-3620 to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most common cause of hand pain? +
Arthritis is among the most common causes of chronic hand pain, given how many small joints are packed into the hand. Repetitive strain and nerve compression are also frequent culprits.
Why do my fingers go numb? +
Numbness in the fingers is often related to nerve compression, commonly at the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) but sometimes at the elbow or even the neck. An exam can help pinpoint the source.
What is trigger finger? +
Trigger finger happens when a tendon in the finger becomes irritated and swollen, causing the finger to catch or lock when you try to bend or straighten it.
Will I need imaging for hand pain? +
Not always. Many cases can be evaluated with a physical exam. Imaging is typically reserved for suspected fractures or cases that don’t improve with conservative care.
Can hand pain be related to my neck? +
Yes — nerve irritation in the cervical spine can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that’s felt in the hand, even when the hand itself is healthy.
How long does hand pain usually take to improve? +
It varies by cause, but many patients notice meaningful improvement within a few weeks of starting a treatment plan that addresses the underlying issue.
