Does hand pain always mean arthritis? Hand pain, a surprisingly common complaint, often leads to concerns about arthritis – after all, hand pain is often one of the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis. But the truth is that this isn’t necessarily the case and many different conditions can trigger discomfort in your hands such as, acute injury, lupus, or even carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have severe hand pain and you’re not too sure what’s causing it or how to narrow down your search and symptoms, here’s a breakdown.
Does hand pain always mean arthritis? No! Here are 7 causes of hand pain.
1. Think about any previous injuries
Traumatic accidents and incidents happen. These can occur in your body or internal organs. However, fractures, sprains, and strains can evoke sudden and intense hand pain, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Fractures, resulting from accidents or falls, disrupt the integrity of the bones in the hand, leading to sharp, localised pain. If you think you may have fractured or broken a bone in your hand, prompt diagnosis and treatment are imperative to prevent long-term complications.
2. Overuse of the joints
The constant and repetitive nature of certain tasks or occupations can subject the hand to excessive strain, culminating in overuse injuries. If you have been lifting heavy objects or working out at the gym there’s a possibility of hurting yourself and overusing your muscles, tendons and ligaments. In this instance, your muscles or ligaments can tear.
3. Compression of the nerves
Nerves in the hand and wrist are particularly susceptible to compression, also known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a prevalent condition that can occur when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. This usually happens as a consequence of repetitive hand movements – assembly line workers, office workers, and cashiers are some of the most common jobs associated with carpal tunnel.
The condition can manifest symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain localised primarily in the palm and fingers. People who have prolonged compression of the nerves can experience muscle weakness and loss of hand dexterity. This can lead to difficulty completing normal daily activities. It is possible that it can cause permanent damage, pain, and weakness.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is painful and treatment for the condition is often approached with a combination of steroid injections, wrist support and carefully guided physiotherapy exercises. In some severe cases, the surgical release of the nerve may be required to alleviate the compression and restore hand function.
4. Infections
It may sound unusual but infections are a surprisingly common reason for hand pain. We use our hands all day long and as such, they are susceptible to cuts; any of those cuts could get an infection. In fact, if you get an injury near a joint it can cause septic arthritis, also known as osteomyelitis, an infection in the bone which can severely damage the bone and cartilage in the joint. This condition requires urgent treatment in the form of antibiotics and occasionally requires draining the joint.
You may notice warmth and redress in the affected joint, swelling, and you may also have a high temperature. Osteomyelitis is not limited to the hands and can occur anywhere on the body but is also common in the feet.
5. Degenerative changes
Degenerative changes happen as a result of the wear and tear associated with age and are characterised by progressive joint deterioration and functional decline. Joint wear and tear is also known as osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage erodes from use, leading to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint (usually the end of the fingers and the thumbs). Unlike inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis typically manifests asymmetrically and gets worse gradually as we get older. People who are classified as obese are at a higher risk of experiencing osteoarthritis.
The good news is that with the appropriate management strategies and some simple lifestyle modifications, you can slow down progression of the disease, optimise hand function and your quality of life. Treatment for osteoarthritis can include a combination of physiotherapy exercises, pain medications, and anti-inflammatories. In severe cases steroid injections and even surgery may be considered to help reduce pain.
6. Lupus
Selena Gomez is just one of many celebrities who have been battling a condition called lupus. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is a type of autoimmune disorder, and is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks itself. It can cause stiffness and swelling around the joints, commonly in the hands and feet. Other symptoms can include fatigue and a skin rash. The correct treatment focuses on controlling disease activity and alleviating symptoms. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on regular monitoring and pain management.
7. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes swelling and deformities of the joints. If your joints are stiff in the mornings and this is accompanied by fatigue, redness or swelling, this could be a sign of RA. Left untreated, progressive joint erosion and synovial inflammation can lead to irreversible damage and functional impairment. With physical therapy, a good pain management plan, and immunosuppressant medication, you can suppress the pain and work on improving joint mobility and quality of life.
When to speak to a rheumatologist about hand pain
Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing hand pain effectively – especially when the underlying cause is an autoimmune condition. Your chosen rheumatologist or healthcare specialist will take a close look at your symptoms and medical history, and will carry out a thorough physical examination. In most cases, they will recommend a series of tests in order to provide an accurate diagnosis, for example X-rays, and even MRIs, to get a detailed look at your affected joint(s). Getting a correct diagnosis is vitally important as it is what will guide the type of treatment you receive.
While arthritis is a common cause of hand pain, it’s not always to blame. Book a private rheumatologist in London for an accurate diagnosis and let them guide you through the healing process. You’ll get the answers to all of your questions, and have peace of mind knowing you’re in safe hands. With the right team of experts, you will be one step closer to making a positive change.
