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    Hand Pain

    From making coffee in the morning to brushing your teeth at night, there isn’t much you do that doesn’t involve using your hands. And with 27 bones and a bunch of muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerve endings, there’s a lot that can go wrong. When your hand pain makes it too hard to get through your daily activities, our experienced team is here to help. Whether you have a mechanical or neurological issue, we’ll work together to create a treatment plan that’s just right for you—and gets you back to the life you love.

    Common Causes

    Arthritis is the leading cause of hand pain. But other causes include:

    • Carpal tunnel
    • Cysts
    • Fractures
    • Gout
    • Nerve damage
    • Strains and sprains
    • Tendinitis

    Treatment Options

    When it comes to hand pain, some at-home treatments are quite effective.

    You can try:

    • Applying hot or cold compresses. Heat can help loosen stiffness in the hand, while cold can relieve pain that results from repetitive activity, like playing golf.
    • Exercising. Certain exercises can help increase your range of motion and strengthen your hand muscles.
    • Stretching. Stretching can help you lengthen your hand’s muscles and tendons—and ultimately alleviate some of your hand pain.
    • Taking over-the-counter medications and supplements. From herbal supplements like curcumin, ginger and Boswellia to topical creams and over-the-counter pain relievers, there are many products to help you manage your ongoing pain.

    If you can’t get ahead of the pain at home, it’s time to get medical care. Our first step will be pinpointing the source of your pain because choosing the right treatment for your hand pain depends on the cause. Whenever possible, we’ll take the least invasive approach to your treatment.

    Your treatment may include:

    • Bracing or splinting to stabilize the position of your fingers, thumb or wrist.
    • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide you with long-lasting relief.
    • Physical therapy to alleviate ongoing pain and help you regain hand function.
    • Prescription medications, like opioids or oral steroids to help you get ahead of severe hand pain.

    If these more conservative treatments don’t help, surgery may be needed. Our orthopedic experts will work closely with you and your family to determine which treatments will give you the most relief—and meet your unique needs and goals.