Understanding Hand Pain: Common Symptoms, What They Mean & When to Seek Help
By Dr. Santanu Choudhury | Orthopedic Specialist
Hand pain can be frustrating, limiting everything from basic daily tasks to your overall mobility and independence. Whether you experience sharp pain, stiffness, or tingling in your fingers, understanding what’s causing your hand pain is key to managing it effectively.
In this blog, Dr. Santanu Choudhury, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, explains the most common symptoms of hand pain, what they could indicate, and when it’s time to consult a specialist.
🔍 Common Symptoms of Hand Pain and Their Meanings
1. Tingling or Numbness
Often felt in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, this may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by compression of the median nerve.
2. Morning Stiffness
If your hands feel stiff in the morning or after resting, it may point to rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis—both involving joint inflammation.
3. Swelling and Warmth
Swelling in the joints or along tendons might indicate tendonitis, arthritis, or even gout. If it’s accompanied by heat and redness, it could suggest an infection.
4. Sharp Pain While Gripping
Pain while holding objects or during hand movements could stem from repetitive strain injuries, ligament damage, or trigger finger.
5. Weakness or Loss of Grip
Difficulty gripping items or dropping things unexpectedly may point to nerve compression, muscle injury, or degenerative joint disease.
🧠 Top Causes of Hand Pain
According to Dr. Choudhury, common culprits include:
- ✅ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- ✅ Arthritis (Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis)
- ✅ Tendonitis
- ✅ Trigger Finger
- ✅ Fractures or Sprains
- ✅ Gout or Inflammatory Conditions
- ✅ Nerve Injuries (Cervical Radiculopathy)
⏰ When Should You See a Doctor?
Don’t ignore persistent or worsening hand pain. Seek medical attention if:
- Pain lasts more than a few days
- You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness
- There’s visible swelling or deformity
- The pain is interfering with your daily life
- Over-the-counter treatments fail to provide relief
🛠️ Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Dr. Santanu Choudhury uses a range of tools to diagnose hand pain:
- Clinical examination
- X-rays or MRI
- Nerve conduction tests
- Blood tests (for autoimmune markers)
Treatment options may include:
- 💊 Anti-inflammatory medication
- 🖐️ Wrist splints or hand braces
- 🔄 Activity modification and physiotherapy
- 💉 Corticosteroid injections
- 🏥 Surgical intervention (in severe or chronic cases)
🧘 Preventing Hand Pain: Tips from Dr. Choudhury
- Use ergonomic tools at work
- Take breaks during repetitive hand movements
- Maintain hand strength with stretching and light exercises
- Don’t ignore early signs like stiffness or tingling
✅ Conclusion
Hand pain may be common, but it’s never something to ignore. Understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek help can prevent long-term complications and help you get back to doing what you love.
If you’re dealing with hand pain that’s persistent or worsening, book a consultation with Dr. Santanu Choudhury—an expert in diagnosing and treating all types of hand and joint problems.