Our daily activities play a great part in our wellbeing. When we are overworked, we may feel tired and experienced pain in different parts of our bodies. The same goes for when we tend to be sedentary. When we do not make movements at home and work, we can be prone to musculoskeletal disorders. There are times we wake up in the morning with excruciating pain in the hands and wrist. All we can think is that it may be caused due to the previous works we've done, such as typing, writing, handcrafting, and doing the household chores. When the pain includes numbness, tingling, and weakness, then there might be a more serious condition to be aware of. Nerve pain in hand can be the cause, and it requires proper medical attention.
What Causes Nerve Pain in the Hand?
Commonly, nerve pain in hand and wrist is due to overuse, injury, or trauma. If you suffer from work injuries, falls, and car accidents, then you may be prone to acquiring nerve injuries. Pain, numbness, and tingling are experienced when a nerve receives a lot of pressure from the connecting tissues in the tendons, bones, and muscles.
Just a piece of quick information about our nerves. They are known to be the body's "telephone wiring" because of their functions. They are the body parts that transport messages from the brain to the muscles and other body parts. These messages can be about pressure, temperature, and pain.
An article online mentioned that nerve damage could happen when it was cut or stretched. It stated the following:
"A cut to the nerve can cause it to no longer transmit signals because the signal cannot jump through a gap in the nerve. Stretch injuries to the nerve can range from mild, temporary nerve injury to a more severe, permanent nerve injury. The extent of the injury depends on the amount of stretch."
Advanced Ortho also discussed in one of its posts the common causes of nerve pain in hand.
"There are numerous factors that can cause numbness, tingling or nerve pain in hands or fingers including various autoimmune diseases, diabetes, or inflammation, but one of the most common sources is a pinched nerve. Frequently, nerve pain in hand or wrist is a result of overuse or trauma. Falls, car accidents and work injuries are common causes of hand and wrist nerve injuries. When a nerve receives too much pressure from the adjoining tissue (i.e. bones, muscles, tendons), pain, tingling or numbness ensues."
Our hands can perform various ranges of motions. However, when a certain motion is impaired, like flexing the finger, thumb, and wrist, the nerves in hand can be affected. Make sure to be aware of the common symptoms and indicators when you notice an issue of how your hand functions. Consult with a specialist to find out how to alleviate the source of pain.
The most common nerve injury that causes pain in hand is the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It occurred when the median nerve was in too much pressure on the wrist. The typical symptoms include numbness in hand, pain in the forearm, weakness of the thumb, pain in hand. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Treatments and Tips to Alleviate Nerve Pain in Hand, According to Experts
Proper treatment can help relieve nerve pain in hand. However, it is crucial to find a safe and effective treatment or therapy to avoid further issues. Always refer to the advice of the experts.
According to some medical experts, there are various treatment options for nerve pain and injuries. Depending on the severity, surgical treatment can be done. When the nerve injury in hand can still be repaired, then surgery may include nerve graft, nerve decompression, or nerve repair.
Hand therapy is another option that can be considered. The main goal of hand therapy and rehabilitation is the optimization and rehabilitation of the hand's functions. This will also aid in improving the overall wellbeing.
HealthLink BC discussed some home treatment and medicines in one of its articles that can help with nerve pain in hand. People who are experiencing pain on their wrist, hand, and fingers can try the following home remedies:
- For pain and swelling, you can use compression, ice, rest, and elevation
- Make sure to take a break from your activities, especially if you're using your hands too often
- Protect your hands from the cold
- Make sure to treat any blisters on the hands
- Remove pieces of jewelry such as rings, watches, and bracelets when you notice any swelling
There are also non-prescription medicines that can help alleviate the pain. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Medical News Today mentioned several drug treatments and surgeries. It stated:
"Oral corticosteroid medication may decrease inflammation and swelling, which might help to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Corticosteroid medication is also available as an injection into the wrist. Injections seem to be more effective than oral corticosteroids for CTS."
Besides, other conventional treatments for nerve pain in hand, specifically Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, can also be helpful. When it comes to surgery, there are two options available: open surgery(where the doctor will make one incision over the palm side of the wrist) and endoscopic surgery (this is done using a device where a camera is attached).
"The treating doctor may recommend surgery if CTS is severe and if non-surgical treatments do not help. The surgical treatment of CTS does appear to have the best outcome. Studies have shown that 6 to 12 months after surgery, CTS improves more than it would with just a splint or some other non-surgical treatment", Medical News Today also added.
Another article from Medical News Today, some home remedies for cases of pinched nerves. These include tips that can be practiced in our daily life. Some of these include:
- Improve your posture
Prolonged sitting or standing can lead to poor posture. This can be prevented by using height-adjustable tables, ergonomic chair and other ergonomic accessories like vertical mouse and keyboard.
- Get enough rest and sleep
Sleep and rest are both essential factors to keep the body healthy. They also aid in the proper functioning of the nerves and cells in our body systems.
It is vital to have a work environment that is comfortable, safe, and ergonomic. All equipment and tools should be properly arranged to avoid accidents and injuries. You can use a standing desk instead of the traditional desk we used before. An ergonomic vertical mouse, as previously mentioned, should also be considered to be part of your desk accessories. This can actually help you prevent the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders.
- Consider doing yoga, stretches, massage and physical therapy
Massage and other physical therapies can help relieve tension and pressure, causing nerve pain and injuries.
Final Thoughts
Nerve pain in hand can have a significant impact on your daily activities, efficiency and productivity level. It can hamper your ability to do the job at the right time and may even trigger even worse health conditions. This is why knowing the right treatment is very crucial. However, not all treatments are the same. Make sure to be well-knowledgeable about them, and always refer to the experts to get the
