Hand Pain

Hand pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages and can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday tasks. Whether it’s due to an injury, overuse, or an underlying medical condition, hand pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. At ATI Physical Therapy, we treat a variety of hand-related conditions, helping our patients restore function and improve their quality of life.

What is Hand Pain?

Hand pain refers to any discomfort, aching, or soreness experienced in any part of the hand, including the fingers, palm, wrist, and thumb. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) and may be accompanied by stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility. Hand pain can interfere with daily activities, work performance, and overall quality of life.

Common Types of Hand Pain

Carpel Tunnel
Flexor Tendon Injuries
Hand Osteoarthritis

Common Hand Pain Causes

Hand pain can be caused by several factors, including injuries, repetitive movements, or degenerative conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve, causing numbness, tingling, and pain.
  • Hand Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the cartilage in the hand joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
  • Flexor Tendon Injuries: Damage to the tendons responsible for bending the fingers, typically caused by trauma.

Hand Pain Symptoms

Hand pain symptoms vary depending on the condition, but common signs include:

  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hand or fingers.
  • Numbness or tingling in the hand or wrist.
  • Swelling or visible inflammation in the joints or tendons.
  • Weakness or difficulty gripping objects.

Hand Pain FAQ

Living with hand pain can be challenging and raises many questions about causes, treatments, and daily management. To address common concerns, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about hand pain. These cover topics such as prevention strategies, when to seek medical attention, the benefits of physical therapy, and helpful exercises. If you have additional questions after reviewing these, our team at ATI Physical Therapy is here to provide further guidance and support for your hand health needs.

To prevent hand pain:

  • Practice good ergonomics at work and home
  • Take regular breaks during repetitive tasks
  • Maintain proper posture while using computers or mobile devices
  • Strengthen hand and forearm muscles through exercises
  • Use protective gear during sports or high-risk activities
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce inflammation

Consult a physical therapist if:

  • Pain is severe or persists for more than a few days
  • You experience a sudden loss of strength or sensation
  • There’s visible deformity or swelling
  • You’re unable to perform daily activities due to pain
  • You have a history of arthritis or other chronic conditions
  • You’ve recently injured your hand

Yes, physical therapy can be highly effective for chronic hand pain. It can help by:

  • Improving hand and finger strength and flexibility
  • Teaching proper techniques for daily activities
  • Providing manual therapy to reduce pain and improve function
  • Addressing any underlying biomechanical issues
  • Recommending adaptive tools or devices if needed

Beneficial hand pain exercises often include:

  • Finger and thumb stretches
  • Wrist flexion and extension exercises
  • Grip strengthening exercises
  • Putty or stress ball squeezes
  • Range of motion exercises for all joints in the hand
  • Tendon gliding exercises
  • Your physical therapist will design a personalized exercise program based on your specific condition and needs.

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Physical Therapy for Hand Pain at ATI

At ATI Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive care for individuals experiencing hand pain. We work closely with you to set realistic goals and guide you through each step of your rehabilitation. Whether you’re dealing with acute hand pain or a chronic condition, our team is committed to helping you regain comfort, mobility, and function in your hands. Contact ATI Physical Therapy today.