The hand is one of the most commonly used parts of our body and is susceptible to damage, wear and tear as well as injury. Pain in the hand can be attributed to numerous causes, including damage and other conditions that can affect the joints, cartilage, nerves and other parts of the hand. 

De Quervain's tendinitis 

This is also known as de Quervain's tenosynovitis. It causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain may grow slowly or suddenly. It can also spread to every part of the thumb and up the lower arm. On the off chance that you have de Quervain's tendinitis, you may experience pain while performing the following actions:

  • Clenching The fist
  • Handling on or holding objects
  • Turning the wrist

Treatment:

  • Wearing a proper splint to rest the thumb and wrist
  • Medication to reduce the pain and inflammation
  • Cortisone injections
  • Surgery - It is an outpatient procedure. The orthopaedic surgeon opens the thumb compartment to release the pressure, make room for the irritated tendons, and relieve the pain caused by irritation and swelling.  

Carpal tunnel Syndrome 

This is common amongst the well-known nerve disorders. It can cause pain in the following parts of the hand:

  • Palm and a few fingers
  • Wrist
  • Lower arm

Treatment:

  • Resting the hand and wrist
  • Painkillers
  • Wrist support
  • Steroid injection
  • Surgery - Carpal tunnel release/ decompression in which the ligament is cut and the nerve is made free

Fracture

It's a crack or break in a bone that can cause immense pain in the hand. Other than this, the hand may also experience the following:

  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Loss of proper motion and movement

Treatment:

It depends on the kind of fracture. Braces are usually used for small fractures. Wires,Screws or plates might be used to treat severe fractures.

Arthritis

This is a disease causing joint inflammation and stiffness of the joints. It causes the joints to lose the ligament that permits them to move easily against each other. This tears the ligament, giving rise to crippling pain and swelling.

In the hand, the regions where this regularly happens are as follows:

  • Base of the thumb
  • Center joint of one or more fingers
  • End joint, which is nearest to the fingertip
  • The treatment depends on the seriousness of the injury and the following may be used:
  • Painkillers
  • Props for the fingers or wrist
  • Heat
  • Surgery - joint is usually fused so that pain is relieved completely but movement doesnt occur.

Trigger finger

Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. It is a common disorder characterized by catching, snapping or locking of the involved finger flexor tendon, associated with dysfunction and pain.

It is called trigger finger because when the finger unlocks, it pops back suddenly, as if releasing a trigger on a gun.

Knobs may form on the influenced ligaments. Also, the sheath itself may thicken. In the long run, the ligament may get to be adhered when you attempt to fix a twisted finger or thumb.

Treatment:

  • Resting now and again while wearing a support may help resolve the issue. 
  • Pain killers and anti inflammatory medication. 
  • Corticosteroid injections. 
  • Surgery - in severe cases surgical release is needed