Why Does My Hand Hurt? Common Hand & Wrist Conditions Explained

Hand pain can make everyday activities like typing, driving, cooking, or opening a jar more difficult. While occasional soreness can develop after overuse, persistent pain, numbness, stiffness, or weakness may be a sign of an underlying hand or wrist condition.

Many causes of hand pain can be managed effectively, especially when they are identified early. At 360 Orthopedics, Dr. Gregory Farino is a fellowship-trained hand and wrist surgeon who evaluates and treats conditions affecting the hand and wrist.

Below are three common causes of hand pain, the symptoms they may cause, and signs that it may be time to see a hand specialist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you have numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hand—especially in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, or part of the ring finger—carpal tunnel syndrome could be the cause.

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through a narrow passageway in the wrist. Symptoms may begin gradually and become more noticeable while driving, holding a phone, reading, or sleeping.

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• Hand or wrist pain that may travel into the forearm
• Weakness when gripping or holding objects
• Symptoms that become worse at night
• Dropping objects more frequently

Treatment depends on the severity of the nerve compression and the patient’s individual symptoms. A care plan may include wrist splinting, activity modification, medication, therapy, injections, or surgery when appropriate.

Trigger Finger

If one of your fingers catches, clicks, or locks when you bend or straighten it, you may have trigger finger. This condition develops when a tendon in the finger becomes irritated and can no longer glide smoothly through its surrounding tissue.

Many patients first notice finger stiffness in the morning. Over time, they may develop tenderness near the base of the affected finger, a popping sensation during movement, or a finger that temporarily locks in a bent position.

Common symptoms of trigger finger include:

• Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning
• Clicking or popping when moving the finger
• Tenderness near the base of the finger
• A finger that catches or locks in a bent position

Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and how much they interfere with daily activities. Options may include activity modification, splinting, injections, or surgery when conservative treatment is no longer effective.

For a closer look at this condition, read Can Trigger Finger Go Away on Its Own?

Thumb Arthritis

Pain at the base of the thumb can make everyday tasks like opening jars, turning keys, buttoning clothing, writing, or gripping objects uncomfortable. One common cause is thumb arthritis, which develops as the cartilage within the joint at the base of the thumb wears down over time.

Common symptoms of thumb arthritis include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb
• Swelling or stiffness around the thumb joint
• Difficulty gripping or pinching objects
• Reduced grip or pinch strength
• Pain when opening containers or turning keys

Thumb arthritis becomes more common with age, but previous injuries and genetics may also contribute. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, treatment may include splinting, activity modification, medication, therapy, injections, or surgery when appropriate.

Other Common Hand & Wrist Conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and thumb arthritis are not the only conditions that can cause pain or difficulty using the hand. Nerve compression, tendon problems, arthritis, fractures, and other injuries may cause similar symptoms.

Because several hand and wrist conditions can cause pain, weakness, stiffness, or numbness, an orthopedic evaluation can help identify the underlying problem and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

How Occupational Therapy May Help

Depending on the diagnosis, occupational therapy or hand therapy may be included as part of a patient’s treatment or recovery plan. Therapy may help improve hand function, strength, mobility, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

The occupational therapy team at 360 Orthopedics offers individualized care that may include structured exercises, manual techniques, custom-fabricated splinting, and recommendations for assistive devices. Learn more about physical and occupational therapy at 360 Orthopedics.

When Should You See a Hand Specialist?

Consider scheduling an orthopedic evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent hand or wrist pain that is not improving
• Numbness or tingling that continues or becomes worse
• A finger that catches, clicks, or locks
• Difficulty gripping or holding everyday objects
• Weakness or frequent dropping of objects
• Symptoms that interfere with work, hobbies, sleep, or daily activities

You should seek prompt medical attention after a significant injury, especially if you notice severe pain, considerable swelling, visible deformity, an open wound, or an inability to move the hand or fingers normally.

Early evaluation can help determine the cause of your symptoms and may allow treatment to begin before the condition progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Pain

Is hand pain always caused by arthritis?

No. Hand pain can result from several conditions, including arthritis, nerve compression, tendon irritation, fractures, and other injuries. The location of the pain and the presence of symptoms such as numbness, weakness, swelling, or locking can help guide the diagnosis.

Can hand conditions be treated without surgery?

Many hand and wrist conditions can initially be managed with nonsurgical treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, care may include activity modification, splinting, medication, occupational therapy, hand therapy, or injections. Surgery may be considered when conservative treatments do not provide enough relief or when the condition is more advanced.

What is the difference between trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome?

Trigger finger affects a tendon and typically causes a finger to click, catch, or lock during movement. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves pressure on the median nerve at the wrist and commonly causes numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hand.

Find Relief from Hand Pain

You do not have to accept persistent hand pain, numbness, stiffness, or weakness as part of your daily routine. Whether your symptoms are related to carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, thumb arthritis, or another hand or wrist condition, an orthopedic evaluation can help you understand the cause and your treatment options.

Dr. Gregory Farino evaluates and treats hand and wrist conditions with care plans based on each patient’s symptoms, needs, and goals. 360 Orthopedics also offers physical and occupational therapy and other orthopedic services at locations in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida.