Common Hand Problems: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Our hands are essential for everyday activities, from gripping objects to fine motor skills like writing and typing. However, they are also vulnerable to various conditions that can cause pain, stiffness, weakness, or deformity. Hand problems can arise due to injury, repetitive strain, arthritis, nerve damage, or infections. Understanding common hand problems, their causes, and possible treatments can help in early diagnosis and management.
Common Hand Problems
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Arthritis – Inflammation of the hand joints, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Trigger Finger – A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position due to tendon inflammation.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture – Thickening of tissue in the palm, leading to curled fingers.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – Inflammation of tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and difficulty moving the thumb.
- Ganglion Cysts – Fluid-filled lumps on the wrist or fingers, sometimes causing discomfort.
- Fractures and Sprains – Broken bones or ligament injuries in the hand or wrist due to trauma.
- Tendonitis – Inflammation of tendons due to overuse, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Raynaud’s Disease – Reduced blood flow to the fingers, causing numbness and color changes.
- Nerve Injuries (Ulnar, Radial, or Median Nerve Damage) – Damage leading to weakness, numbness, or coordination loss.
- Mallet Finger – Injury causing the fingertip to droop due to tendon damage.
- Boutonnière Deformity – A finger deformity where the middle joint bends while the fingertip remains extended.
- Swan Neck Deformity – A finger deformity where the middle joint hyperextends while the fingertip bends downward.
- Psoriatic Arthritis – A type of arthritis linked to psoriasis, causing joint pain and swelling in the fingers.
- Lupus-Related Hand Issues – Autoimmune disease affecting the joints and tissues in the hands.
Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to maintaining hand function and preventing complications.