Pain and discomfort

Hand & arm pain is a common symptom that prompts people to seek medical advice. It may affect any age. The pain severity can from mild discomfort to severe pain impacting on all activities of daily living, recreation and occupation. These are some common causes. However getting a good assessment by a health professional who understands the causes of hand & arm pain is important. With a good understanding of the cause, only then can effective treatment be provided 

Some Common Causes of Hand and Arm Pain or discomfort

  • Degenerative Arthritis - also known as osteoarthritis. It very frequently affects the joints at the base of the thumb and finger joints.
  • Inflammation arthritis - This can be due to an auto-immune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune disorder is where the body attacks its own joint tissues, causing warmth, pain, and swelling of the affected joint. Inflammation arthritis can also be caused by gout due to accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint. The pain can be very intense and develop very quickly (within hours).
  • Nerve entrapment or compression - The most common example of such a condition is carpal tunnel syndrome. The trapped nerve can cause pain, altered feeling, weakness and difficulty performing tasks. Nerve entrapment in the neck (cervical spine) can also cause these symptoms.
  • Tendon problems - This can be from damaged tendons from injury or overuse. This can show up as trigger finger in the hands or shoulder pain from rotator cuff tendon injury. It may be associated with limited function of that joint or limb.
  • Infections - This is often associated with penetrating injury or break in the skin, such as animal bites, work injuries, skin lacerations. The usual symptoms with this are redness, warmth and swelling. The hand or arm will be painful to use and function is limited. This is an urgent problem that needs to be seen by a health professional immediately.

Symptoms frequently associated with Hand and arm Pain or Discomfort

  • Tenderness - The pain to touch or press is a very common symptom, which can vary in intensity and location.
  • Swelling - Often accompanies pain, usually after injury or in inflammatory conditions.
  • Altered feeling - Common in nerve-related conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Changes in appearance - In cases of fractures (broken bones) or severe arthritis, the structure of the hand, wrist or fingers may appear altered.
  • Limited function /difficulty in performing tasks - due to pain or weakness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hand pain or discomfort begins with a detailed history and physical examination. Depending on the suspected cause, the following investigations may be suggested:

  • X-rays: To detect fractures, dislocations, or signs of arthritis.
  • MRI or Ultrasound: For a detailed view of soft tissues, tendons, and nerves. Also for early detection of arthritis.
  • Nerve Conduction Studies: To assess nerve function and diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Blood Tests: To check for inflammatory markers or uric acid levels in cases of suspected rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Treatment

The treatment of course depends on the cause. Broadly speaking, non-surgical treatments are the usual start for most conditions. This can simply be advice. Frequently, supports, splints, hand therapy, casts are used. Sometimes injections are offered.

Surgical treatment is when non-surgical options have not worked. Occasionally depending on the condition, surgery may be the first line of treatment. This is for example in displaced fractures or severe carpal tunnel syndrome.

When to See a Health Professional

Seek healthcare attention if hand pain: 

  • Persists beyond a few days or worsens over time.
  • Is accompanied by significant swelling, redness, or warmth (signs of infection/inflammation).
  • Causes numbness, tingling, or weakness, which may indicate nerve involvement.
  • Follows an injury, especially if there’s a visible deformity or inability to move the hand. 

Conclusion

Sanjay Miranda says that Hand and arm pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many conditions are manageable. Understanding the underlying cause is key to choosing the most effective treatment and getting back to your normal activities. If you experience persistent or severe hand pain, don’t let it steal the life you deserve and desire.