
A human hand is a delicate and complex body part comprising nerves, bones, ligaments, skin, tendons, muscles, and joints. This allows precise and strong movements, from simple manipulation to heavy lifting. Such a complicated structure is vulnerable to injuries and can lead to severe hand pain.
If you have ever experienced pain in your hands, you know how miserable it can be. Constant stiffness can sap the strength to perform even basic routine tasks. There can be many reasons for this excruciating pain- an accident, medical condition, or an old injury. The good news is that it can be treated and cured with exercise, medication, or self-care, depending on the cause of the pain.
Arthritis is the primary source of hand pain, especially osteoarthritis, a part of the ageing process. It causes the loss of cartilage in joints, leading to painful and debilitating swelling. Although people over 60 years of age have signs of osteoarthritis, some people develop it earlier.
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The carpal tunnel is a narrow space made of bone and connective tissue at the base of a hand. It contains the median nerve, which enables sensation and movement. When compressed, it can cause chronic hand pain, reduce function, and even lead to a nerve disorder called carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be due to inflammation, irritated tendons, or any condition that causes swelling.
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You experience Raynaud’s Phenomenon or Raynaud’s Syndrome when your hand is exposed to cold temperatures. It is caused due to over-responsive blood vessels or a symptom of other health conditions. Your fingers turn blue/white when they are cold and bright red when you warm them up.
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Also called stenosing tenosynovitis, Trigger Finger is a painful condition that affects how your thumb or fingers move. It develops when flexor tendons, responsible for the finger and thumb movements, cause inflammation and irritation around the area. This puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, preventing smooth finger movements. Once the tendon is released, you feel a snapping sensation.
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A traumatic injury or poorly healed fracture is one of the main causes of hand pain. You have 27 bones in each hand connected through an elaborate network to enable smooth movement and stabilise joints. Any accident or injury can break these bones in different ways. Hence, changing the structure, restricting the movements, and affecting the dexterity of your hand.
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Some conditions need the immediate attention of a doctor. Visit a professional if an old injury gets worse or if no home remedy relieves the pain. Other cases to see a doctor are:
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Rory is the R&D Director and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Defence a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone. If you’d like to get in touch, email Rory at Rory@copperclothing.com or visit copperclothing.com for copper-infused clothing, pet accessories, and more.