Do you find yourself wincing with every movement of your fingers or wrists? Hand pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from simple tasks like typing to complex activities such as playing a musical instrument. As such, identifying the underlying causes of hand pain is crucial for helping you get back to doing what you love.

To help you understand the potential sources of your discomfort, Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre in Singapore, led by hand and wrist specialist Dr. Jaqueline Tan, highlights common conditions that may be responsible. Keep reading to take the first step towards pain relief and improve your overall quality of life.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common ailment that occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. The primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive motion or overuse of the wrist, such as typing on a keyboard for extended periods, or activities that require a firm grip. Other factors, such as pregnancy, diabetes, and certain inflammatory conditions, may also contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

When it comes to treating carpal tunnel syndrome, the approach varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases often benefit from simple solutions like wrist splinting or adjusting hand use patterns to reduce strain. For more severe instances, medical interventions such as corticosteroid injections or even hand surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may be necessary.

Arthritis

Arthritis, a condition marked by inflammation and stiffness of the joints, is another common cause of hand pain. The two most prevalent types of hand arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops as protective cartilage wears down over time, often impacting joints near the fingertips and the base of the thumb, known as thumb arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage and deformities over time.

Managing arthritis-related hand pain typically involves a combination of medication to reduce inflammation and discomfort, physical therapy to improve joint function and range of motion, and lifestyle modifications to protect the joints from further damage.

Trigger Finger

Have you ever had a finger that seems to lock or catch when you try to bend it? This condition, known as trigger finger, happens when one of your fingers or thumb gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly straightens with a snap — just like pulling and releasing the trigger of a toy gun. This happens when the flexor tendons that enable finger movement become inflamed or thickened, restricting smooth movement within the tendon sheath.

The good news is that there are several options for trigger finger treatment. Conservative methods include resting the affected finger, using splints, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. If these don’t provide enough relief, there are more options like corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or in some cases, a minor surgical procedure to release the affected tendon sheath.

Learn more: 3 Long-term Effects of Untreated Hand Injuries | Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre

Remember, taking care of your hands today ensures they’ll continue to serve you well in the years to come.

Early diagnosis of hand pain and proactive management are essential to prevent long-term nerve damage, ensuring you can get back to your daily activities comfortably and confidently. Experiencing persistent hand pain or noticing changes in your hand function? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacqueline Tan at Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre today to explore treatment options tailored to your needs.