pain in hands?

The most common causes at a glance

Created: 09/27/2022, 11:33 am

The causes of hand pain are varied.

In an interview, an expert explains possible triggers.

The most important tools for everyday life or work are our hands.

However, if they cause pain, life becomes uncomfortable.

But complaints of this kind no longer only occur in people of the older generation.

Privatdozent Dr.

Bastian Marquaß, Senior Specialist in Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery at the Joint Clinic in Gundelfingen, explains "that more and more people at a younger age are affected by arthrosis of the finger joints and wrists".

The expert explains the causes and treatment methods in an interview with the news agency spot on news.

What can cause hand pain?

dr

Bastian Marquaß: One of the most common causes is the so-called snap finger.

In this disease, the locally thickened finger tendon can no longer slide unhindered through the annular ligaments on the finger joints.

Only after a strong pull does it snap through.

The disorder usually occurs over the metatarsophalangeal joint on the inside of the hand.

Possible causes include hereditary predisposition, overexertion due to unfamiliar activities or injuries.

Women of advanced age are predominantly affected (due to estrogen deficiency).

In the early stages, conservative treatment methods such as cortisone injections are relatively effective.

In the case of advanced thickening, the only option is usually an operation.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Because: The later the treatment begins, the more immobile the finger often becomes.

If your fingers or hands tingle or hurt, a pinched nerve is often the cause.

This runs in the area of ​​the carpal bones in a kind of groove, the narrow carpal tunnel.

The result of carpal tunnel syndrome: signs of loss and restricted movement on the palms of the hands.

Manual therapies, such as cell-biological regulation therapy, can bring relief.

Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as (usually short-term) cortisone tablets or injections in the carpal tunnel can help.

So-called orthoses can help with tendonitis.

© Imago

Hands hurt or stiffen, especially in the morning.

What circumstances are responsible for this?

Marquaß: This is often due to joint wear.

The fingers hurt, are stiff and difficult to move.

As with any arthrosis, the joint capsule also ossifies.

The finger joints become increasingly immobile.

If there is an infection, it must be treated first.

Because this accelerates the cartilage degradation and thus restricts the mobility of the fingers even more.

During an acute attack, the use of anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen has proven itself.

Physiotherapy is advisable in order to maintain the mobility of the fingers for as long as possible.  

Ultimately, only a specialist can clarify the causes behind the symptoms.

Morning pain and stiffness often indicate, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, i.e. inflammatory joint rheumatism.

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Why do so many people in the office suffer from tendonitis?

Marquaß: Our fingers and hands are put under a lot of strain every day.

PC users are often affected by tendonitis - but basically any overuse of the tendons can cause inflammation of the surrounding connective tissue.

This leads to swelling and pain as the disease progresses - initially only when you move, later often even when you are at rest.

Treatment is often lengthy.

Relief is the top priority.

So-called orthoses, semi-rigid bandages that support the wrist, can be helpful.

In the case of severe inflammation or recurring symptoms, the doctor usually recommends a combination of anti-inflammatory tablets and rest.

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How can you prevent carpal tunnel syndrome or osteoarthritis of the fingers?

Marquaß: A healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and sufficient exercise are always helpful.

There are also preventive measures you can take to protect your finger joints.

In order to avoid overloading the cartilage, one should not carry heavy loads on one side, for example.

A comfortable grip is also helpful.

Because heavy carrying with stretched finger joints easily injures the cartilage layer of the finger joints.

Because of the high force peaks that occur when they are attached, clothespins are also very damaging to the finger joints.

It is better to use simple clip-on clips without springs.

And here's another tip for (hobby) craftsmen: Use the largest possible tools.

This reduces the forces that act on your fingers: The more open your hand, the lower the load on the cartilage of the finger joints.

Regular small practical exercises can also have a preventative effect, such as the following: Take a small, soft ball in your hand and squeeze it firmly.

After a few seconds, open your hand and repeat this exercise several times.

This stretches and strengthens the wrist and promotes mobility.

This exercise is particularly recommended for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Anyone who wants to protect themselves from this (or is affected) should avoid monotonous professional work where the hand is repeatedly bent and the median nerve is chronically stressed.

Hand pain in younger people: is it possible?

Marquaß: Yes, health insurance companies report that more and more young people are affected by arthrosis of the knuckles and wrists.

This could be due to intensive smartphone use.

In many cases, painful or tingling fingers and sensory disturbances in the wrists are also caused by the RSI (“Repetitive Strain Injury”) syndrome - better known as so-called mouse arm.

People who control their cursor for hours every day with small, quick movements are very often affected.

Not just secretaries, for example, but also (mostly young) computer gamers.

The result of the overload: Inflammation in the tendons and muscles of the hands, upper arms, shoulders and neck.

What helps?

In addition to physiotherapy and physical medicine, ergonomic keyboards or PC mice and regular stretching exercises can alleviate symptoms and have a preventive effect.

dr

Bastian Marquaß is the leading specialist in orthopaedics, sports medicine and trauma surgery at the joint clinic in Gundelfingen.

In addition, the private lecturer is responsible for the assessment and teaching of minimally invasive joint operations in leading specialist societies.

His main areas of treatment include shoulder, hand and elbow pain as well as knee problems.

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