Prepared by Dr. C. Manamohan
Consultant Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery and Hand & Microsurgery
Gleneagles Hospital Johor
Why Does My Hand Hurt?
Pain in the hand, fingers, or wrist used to be a relatively uncommon condition. However, with the rise in smartphone and digital tablet use and prolonged computer-based work, hand pain has become increasingly prevalent. What was once a concern for manual laborers and workers engaging in heavy lifting is now a common complaint among individuals in desk jobs and those using mobile devices for extended periods!
The constant, prolonged use of these devices can lead to strains and inflammation of the tendons, ligaments, and nerves around the wrist and hand. These repetitive motions and sustained postures put additional stress on the hand muscles, leading to various painful conditions.
De Quervain’s Tendinitis (Mummy’s Thumb)
De Quervain’s tendinitis and Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis) are common painful conditions that affect the tendons of the hand. Both these conditions arise from inflammation, swelling, and thickening of a tendon within its tendon sheath.
De Quervain’s Tendinitis is marked by pain along the thumb side of the wrist and is often associated with a mild but tender swelling. Commonly called Mummy’s thumb, it is sometimes seen in new mothers who repeatedly lift their babies after breastfeeding. Mothers with De Quervain’s experience severe pain along the base of the thumb when grasping objects, making a fist, or while doing twisting and wringing motions of the wrist joint.
Trigger Finger
Another common condition that affects the hand muscles and tendons is trigger finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis), which commonly affects the middle and ring fingers. The thumbs and index fingers are also occasionally affected. It may present as pain in the palm or base of the fingers and thumb, with reduced finger range of motion. In more severe cases, the involved digit may “lock-up” or get stuck in a bent position. When this happens, it will no longer be possible to straighten the finger. Force may be required to release the locked digit, resulting in a clicking sound and pain. Trigger Finger is more common in people with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients may also develop triggering in multiple digits involving both hands.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common painful conditions affecting the hand and wrist. Worldwide estimates vary, but CTS may affect 3-20 percent of all working age adults, especially those involved in the manufacturing and construction industries. It is also more common in women. Typically, CTS starts with sudden-onset wrist pain, with numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Carpal tunnel symptoms are usually worse at night, disturbing sleep.
If left untreated, CTS can lead to serious complications, such as hand muscle wasting and loss of grip strength. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent these long-term issues. CTS can be diagnosed clinically by a doctor, although ultrasound and MRI scans may occasionally be used for additional clarity. Electrodiagnostic studies such as Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography are often used in Hand Surgery centres to aid in the diagnosis of CTS.
Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In the early stages of CTS, as well as conditions like De Quervain’s Tendinitis and Trigger Finger, are treated with anti-inflammatory medications, along with resting and splinting of the involved digits and joints. The services of a Hand Therapist or Physiotherapist are often very helpful at this stage and may involve stretching and strengthening exercises. For more advanced cases, corticosteroid injections are also often used and provide excellent pain relief to inflamed tendons, but are controversial when used in the treatment of CTS.
When conservative treatments fail, surgery is often the only respite for more advanced conditions of the above diseases. Fortunately, whilst technically demanding, these surgeries involve small incisions and can be performed under local anaesthesia in a “Day Care” setting, without an overnight hospital stay. Surgery usually results in excellent outcomes with full return to hand function within 2 weeks.
Prevention and Self-Care
To prevent CTS and other hand pain conditions, practice good work ergonomics and take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks. Also, avoid prolonged use of smartphones and other devices that strain the wrist and hand. If you experience persistent hand pain, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Get Relief from Hand Pain at Gleneagles Hospital Johor
If you're struggling with hand pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or conditions like De Quervain’s tendinitis or trigger finger, don’t wait to seek help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and improve your quality of life. At Gleneagles Hospital Johor, our team of Orthopaedic specialists offers advanced diagnostic tools and effective treatment options, including physical therapy, injections, and surgery. If the pain in your hand persists, schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward recovery.
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