The human hand is a complex structure composed of many different bones, muscles, and ligaments that are necessary for movement and dexterity. However, because we use our hands for so many tasks, they are susceptible to all sorts of painful injuries and degenerative conditions, such as:
- Arthritis – joint inflammation that can occur in numerous areas of the hand and/or wrist.
- Rheumatoid arthritis – can affect the joints and surrounding tendons of the wrist and fingers, which can become swollen, painful, and possibly deformed, interfering with normal hand function.
- Osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis in the hands that affects the base of the thumb, at the end joint closest to the fingertip, or at the middle joint of a finger.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) – a condition in which the median nerve that passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist is compressed causing not only pain but also burning or tingling in the fingers and trouble gripping objects. Often the result of overuse of the hand and wrist, CTS can worsen over time if left untreated.
- Ganglion cysts – soft, fluid-filled growths that develop on the front or back of the hand, causing swelling and pain.
- Tendonitis – inflammation of a tendon in the wrist, fingers, or elbow.
- Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheaths that enclose the tendons, most commonly in the thumb.
- Scleroderma – a chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues of the hand, commonly affecting women between the ages of 30 and 50.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for hand pain, depending on your specific condition.
Therapy for Painful Hand Conditions
Treatment options for arthritic conditions include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Resting the affected hand
- Wearing splints at night
- Using heat to soothe the pain
- Using ice to reduce swelling
- Cortisone injections
- Possible surgery when no other treatments work
Treatment options for carpal tunnel include:
- Splinting to help prevent wrist movement and compression of nerves within the tunnel
- Oral or injected anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
- Ergonomic changes to work and home environments
- Surgery to relieve compression on the median nerve
Treatment options for ganglion cysts include:
- Rest
- Splinting
- NSAIDs
- Aspiration (withdrawing fluid)
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery to remove the cysts
Treatment options for tendon problems include:
- Activity modification
- Ice therapy
- Splinting or immobilization
- Steroid injections
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Surgery to repair the tendon
When hand pain is due to a systemic condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma, the underlying disease that causes it is treated.
Surgery is most appropriate for hand conditions that involve severe breaks, torn muscles or connective tissues, or severe carpal tunnel syndrome. In some acute arthritic cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
Hand Pain Treatment in Plantation, Florida
With more than 30 years of experience in treating patients with a wide variety of conditions and disorders affecting bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, Dr. Robert Baylis and Dr. Christopher Brown are uniquely qualified to provide effective treatment for hand pain. That includes treating recently sustained injuries and complex, chronic conditions like arthritis.
For more information about the many conditions we treat or to set up a consultation to meet with one of our caring doctors, call our office at (954) 476-8800 or request an appointment using our convenient online form.
