Hand pain is more than just annoying. The stiffness and swelling that accompany hand pain can sap strength and decrease the ability to perform routine tasks, such as buttoning clothes.
A common cause of hand pain is osteoarthritis— when the shock-absorbing cartilage between the bones of the finger joints and at the base of the thumb becomes worn or damaged. Hand pain can also result from nerve disorders, such as the pain and tingling you feel when there is pressure on the median nerve in the wrist (cause of carpal tunnel syndrome) or on the ulnar nerve near the elbow . Sometimes hand pain results from tendinitis, an inflammation of the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Here are five methods to help manage hand pain, maintain function, and avoid surgery.
1. Splint
A splint stabilizes the position of your fingers, thumb, or wrist. You can wear a splint for a few weeks if your arthritis flares up, so the inflammation can subside.
2. Injection
A corticosteroid injection into a joint can reduce inflammation. The relief it provides can last for several months. For some people, relief diminishes with subsequent injections.
3. NSAIDs
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) helps relieve hand pain by blocking enzymes that produce pain and swelling, but it is not effective for carpal tunnel syndrome. Long-term use of oral NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is linked to ulcers, stomach bleeding, liver damage, and increased risk of heart attack. Topical NSAIDs, such as diclofenac (Voltaren), pose fewer risks.
4. Heat and cold
Heat can relieve hand stiffness. Even a hot shower will do the trick. Cold is effective for hand pain resulting from activity, such as playing golf. Apply it as flexible gel pads that you store in the freezer, or even bags of frozen peas or corn, which conform well to the three-dimensional complexities of the hand.
5. Exercises and Stretches
These focus on the tendons and muscles in your hand. A physical or occupational therapist can guide you through exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles, which can help absorb stress on the hand joints and reduce pain.
Do you have a question about hand cramps? Learn more here.