Hand Pain: What Should You Know
Our hands and fingers, often taken for granted, are essential for everyday tasks. When hand pain strikes, it can disrupt our lives. Dr Chetan Patel, one of the best hand surgeons in Surat, has listed down 14 hand pain disorders, helped to understand their causes, and their treatments.
- Osteoarthritis:
Description: Osteoarthritis results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Causes: Aging and joint overuse contribute to cartilage wear and tear.
Prevention: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress, practice joint-friendly exercises, and protect joints during repetitive activities.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Description: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and potential deformities.
Causes: Autoimmune factors trigger the immune system to target healthy joint tissue. Prevention: Early diagnosis and adherence to prescribed medications can help manage symptoms and prevent joint damage.
- Basal Joint Arthritis:
Description: Basal joint arthritis affects the base of the thumb, causing pain and limiting thumb mobility.
Causes: Aging and repetitive thumb movements contribute to joint degeneration.
Prevention: Dr Chetan Patel, a thumb arthritis specialist in Surat advices to engage in thumb exercises, using of assistive devices, and avoiding excessive thumb strain during activities.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Description: Carpal tunnel syndrome arises from the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, resulting in numbness and tingling.
Causes: Repetitive hand movements, especially in occupational settings.
Prevention: Implement ergonomic workspace practices, perform wrist exercises, and take breaks to reduce strain on the median nerve.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis:
Description: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is inflammation of thumb tendons, causing pain and swelling.
Causes: Overuse and repetitive thumb movements contribute to tendon irritation.
Prevention: Maintain proper hand positioning during activities, take breaks, and perform thumb stretches to alleviate strain.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture:
Description: Dupuytren’s contracture involves the thickening of tissue in the palm, leading to finger contractures.
Causes: Genetic predisposition and environmental factors contribute to abnormal tissue growth.
Prevention: Perform hand exercises, and in severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered.
- Ganglion Cyst:
Description: Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs near joints or tendons, causing discomfort.
Causes: Joint or tendon irritation triggers cyst formation.
Prevention: Avoid repetitive stress on joints, and in case of persistent cysts, the patient may need to consult any of the hospitals offering best wrist surgeries in Surat.
- Trigger Finger:
Description: Trigger finger results from inflamed tendons, causing finger locking or snapping.
Causes: Repetitive gripping and underlying arthritis contribute to tendon inflammation.
Prevention: Practice finger exercises, avoid repetitive activities, and use splints to alleviate symptoms.
- Raynaud’s Disease:
Description: Raynaud’s disease involves reduced blood flow to fingers, causing pain and colour changes in response to cold or stress.
Causes: Cold weather and stress trigger blood vessel spasms.
Prevention: Wear warm clothing, manage stress, and, if needed, medications may be prescribed to improve blood flow.
- Lupus Arthritis:
Description: Lupus arthritis is joint inflammation as part of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Causes: Autoimmune response against the body’s tissues.
Prevention: Managing overall lupus symptoms through medications and lifestyle adjustments.
- Psoriatic Arthritis:
Description: Psoriatic arthritis involves inflammation affecting both joints and skin.
Causes: Autoimmune factors and genetic predisposition.
Prevention: Managing psoriasis symptoms and prescribed medications can help alleviate arthritis symptoms.
- Gout:
Description: Gout results from the build-up of uric acid crystals in joints, causing intense pain and inflammation.
Causes: High-purine diet and inadequate hydration contribute to uric acid accumulation.
Prevention: Adopt a low-purine diet, stay hydrated. Medications may be prescribed to manage uric acid levels.
- Thumb Sprain:
Description: A thumb sprain occurs from overstretching or tearing of thumb ligaments.
Causes: Trauma or overuse during activities.
Prevention: Practice proper hand protection during activities, and in case of a sprain, follow the R.I.C.E protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and consider splinting.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:
Description: Cubital tunnel syndrome manifests as the compression of the ulnar nerve, causing pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
Causes: Prolonged elbow flexion, pressure on the ulnar nerve, or repeated bending of the elbow contribute to nerve compression.
Prevention: Avoiding prolonged elbow bending, using ergonomic supports, and maintaining proper hand positioning can help prevent symptoms.
Treatment: Treatment options range from conservative measures such as bracing and physical therapy. In severe cases it is advisable to seek consultation for best hand surgery in Surat.
Conclusion:
Understanding the myriad causes of hand pain equips us to take proactive measures. From simple lifestyle adjustments to medical interventions, there are solutions for each condition. By recognizing symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment, we can preserve the function and vitality of our hands, ensuring they continue to serve us well in our daily endeavours.
