Hand and Wrist Pain

Importance of Hand Function

Our hands are essential for daily activities, work, and communication. Chronic hand pain can significantly impact quality of life and independence. Many conditions can cause hand pain, each requiring specific approaches.¹

Common Causes²

Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis (base of thumb, finger joints)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis

Nerve Problems

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Peripheral neuropathy

Tendon Problems

• De Quervain's tendinopathy
• Trigger finger
• Tendinitis

Other

• Ganglion cysts
• Dupuytren's contracture
• CRPS

When to Seek Care

• Persistent pain affecting function
• Numbness or weakness
• Visible deformity
• Signs of infection
• Symptoms worsening despite self-care

General Treatment Approaches³

Conservative

• Splinting
• Hand therapy
• NSAIDs, topical treatments
• Activity modification
• Ergonomic changes

Interventional

• Corticosteroid injections
• Trigger point injections

Surgical

• Carpal tunnel release
• Trigger finger release
• Joint replacement/fusion

Protecting Your Hands

• Use larger joints when possible
• Avoid tight grip
• Take breaks from repetitive tasks
• Use adaptive tools

References

1. Chung KC, Spilson SV. The frequency and epidemiology of hand and forearm fractures in the United States. J Hand Surg Am. 2001;26(5):908-915.
2. Wolf JM, Turkiewicz A, Atroshi I, Englund M. Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Rheumatology. 2014;53(11):2025-2029.
3. Zhang W, Doherty M, Leeb BF, et al. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2009;68(1):8-17.