Our hands are used for almost everything we do. Having a hand condition can seriously lower a person’s quality of life. For this reason, hand conditions should be promptly treated by a hand specialist. Here are 7 of the most common hand conditions that require such treatment. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed. This can cause pain in the hand and wrist as well as tingling in the fingers. CTS is estimated to affect 1-5% of the adult population, making it extremely common. Causes of CTS include:

• Repetitive motions of the hand and wrist
• Pregnancy
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Trauma to the wrist

Treatment for this condition can include rest, splinting, corticosteroid injections, and surgery. 

Arthritis 

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. While arthritis can affect any joint, it is most common in the hands. Additionally, arthritis can affect people of all ages, but is much more prevalent in older members of the population. Treatments for arthritis of the hands can include Medications, surgery, physical therapy, cortisone injections, splints, or braces. Which of these treatments will be used should be determined by a medical professional. Each case of arthritis is different and the right treatment, or combination of treatments, will vary person to person.

Trigger Finger 

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving a finger or thumb. Potential symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
• Clicking or popping sensation when bending or straightening the finger.
• Finger locking in a bent position.
• Difficulty gripping or using the affected hand.

This condition is much more common in women than in men. The cause can be inflammation of the tendon sheath, which is the tunnel through which the tendon passes. Alternatively, it can be caused by the formation of a nodule or thickening within the tendon sheath. Possible treatments are rest and splinting, corticosteroid injections, and surgery. 

Fractures or Dislocations

Fractures are the partial or complete braking of a bone. This is usually caused by pressure. Fractures can be classified as open, where the bone protrudes through the skin, or closed where the skin remains intact. Open is considered to be more severe. Treatment usually includes setting the bone and placing it in a splint or cast. 

Dislocations are when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position, causing a separation at the point where two bones meet. This is usually caused by a fall or other trauma. The symptoms are usually visible deformity, pain, swelling, and limited movement at the affected joint. Treatment can include a doctor manually manipulating the joint back into place or surgery. 

Tendinitis or Tendinosis

These are both conditions which cause pain in the tendons of the hand. The difference is that tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons, while tendinosis is the chronic degeneration of the tendon. Tendinitis is an immediate pain after a tendon injury. It is not usually considered serious and can be treated by simply icing the affected area multiple times a day. The condition will usually resolve in a matter of weeks. On the other hand, tendinosis is a more gradual process that can result from repetitive strain injuries that never heal. Tendinosis treatment focuses on reducing pain, thickening the tendon, and promoting healing. This is done with rest, braces, and stretching. 

DeQuervain’s Disease 

De Quervain's disease, also known as De Quervain's tenosynovitis, is the inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb. According to the National Library of Medicine, it only affects less than 1% of the population, making it less common than the previously mentioned conditions. It is most often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and hand, such as those involved in sports, gardening, or using tools. The condition causes pain as well as difficulty turning the wrist, grasping objects, or making a fist. Treatment includes rest, medication, and sometimes surgery.