Getting A Handle On Hand Pain
Hand pain and chronic conditions related to the hand are on the rise. The excessive use of handheld devices, desk work, and other fine motor-skilled work means the risk of developing conditions is higher than ever before. Statistics show that 1 in 5 Americans has reported hand pain before or currently deals with an underlying condition. Many do not report the issue. Perhaps the 2 most common conditions that lead to chronic hand pain are carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger finger. Identifying the symptoms can lead to the appropriate treatment. There is a range of simple, conservative techniques to relieve pain and improve function.
Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common hand and wrist issue that mainly impacts American adults. The condition is identified as pain and weakness in the wrist that extends to multiple fingers. CTS makes performing simple tasks painful, reduces grip strength, and even impact fine motor skills. When someone has CTS, the median nerve which passes through the wrist and branches out to the fingers is impacted by the carpal tunnel. An inflamed carpal tunnel places pressure on the nerve, leading to nerve pain, weakness, and other unpleasant symptoms. Individuals who perform repetitive tasks with fingers, like typing, those with rheumatoid arthritis, and those with diabetes are more likely to develop CTS.
Worried about trigger finger?
Trigger finger is another common hand condition that limits function and grip strength. Some conditions may be painful. Also called stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger occurs when a finger is stuck in a bent position. This finger cannot straighten without pain or manual manipulation. The tendons of each finger move through a small shaft near the base of the finger. If this shaft is inflamed, swollen, or obstructed, the natural extension of the digit is difficult. Common conditions include a permanently bent finger, stiffness, a painful clicking sensation, and a bump at the base of the finger. Trigger finger often occurs in the thumb and index finger, so expect these to appear bent. Common causes of trigger finger include repetitive gripping movements, injury, or advanced age. Like CTS, trigger finger can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Try these solutions for CTS
An appropriate diagnosis is essential to finding simple yet effective treatment options. If pain, stiffness, or discomfort is chronic, a doctor can recommend simple and advanced solutions. For CTS, wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, secures the hand and relieves pressure on the median nerve. Splints are also useful for patients who must continue working. The doctor will also provide medication for pain management. Oral pain medication can relieve discomfort, while cold packs can provide a numbing solution. Patients are also encouraged to perform hand and gliding exercises with a doctor’s supervision.
Finger off the trigger
Trigger finger can also benefit from splinting the affected fingers, especially at night. By keeping the fingers in a straight position, the tendons get time to rest and heal. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy (PT), involving gentle stretching and massage, relieves pain and improves flexibility. Other simple, yet effective solutions include rest, modifying work and daily activity, and applying cold and heat packs as needed. Both CTS and trigger finger respond well to these options when done early and often.
Seeking advanced medical advice
If these simple solutions fail to improve symptoms, doctors may consider more advanced options. Corticosteroid injections, for instance, inject medication near the impacted area to relieve pain for longer periods. This allows for more effective treatment. If this fails, some patients may be candidates for surgery. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), which uses small incisions and a scope, can relieve symptoms with minimal downtime. For CTS, the surgeon can remove tissue in the carpal tunnel that disrupts the median nerve. Trigger finger can also benefit from removing inflamed tissue that limits tendon function. Patients can leave the same day, start recovery at home, and return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Simple solutions for a significant issue
CTS and trigger finger are common hand issues that can limit function and impact work and daily activities. The condition may even impact younger people who use digital devices for several hours without rest. Early identification of these conditions is essential to simple treatment without surgery. Speak with a doctor who can provide pain medication and recommend splinting and PT. If this fails, MIS can address more severe damage, leading the way to improved hand function.
