Hand Pain Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Hand pain can be caused by disease or injury affecting any of the structures in the hand, including the bones, muscles, joints, tendons, blood vessels, or connective tissues. Pain is one feature of joint inflammation (arthritis) that may be felt in the hand. Repetitive motion injuries can cause pain in the wrist and hand. Tumors of the structures in the hand are a very rare cause of hand or finger pain. Certain conditions such as diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or tingling of the arms and legs. This phenomenon, known as peripheral neuropathy, can also sometimes cause hand pain.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Hand Pain
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Ankle Pain
Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within...learn more »
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Ankle Pain Article
- Ankle pain and tendinitis facts
- How is the ankle designed, and what is the ankle's function?
- What injuries can cause ankle pain?
- What diseases and conditions can cause ankle
pain, and how are they treated?
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Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness...learn more »
In This Article
Arthritis Article
- Arthritis facts
- What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?
- What are risk factors for arthritis?
- What are arthritis symptoms and signs?
- Who is affected by arthritis?
- How is arthritis diagnosed, and why is a diagnosis important?
- What is the treatment for arthritis?
- Is there a special diet for arthritis?
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- Can arthritis be prevented?
- What is the national financial impact of arthritis?
- What is a rheumatologist?
- What is the Arthritis Foundation?
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In This Article
Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Article
- Bone fracture facts
- Introduction and definition of bone fracture
- What causes a bone fracture?
- What are the signs and
symptoms of a bone fracture?
- What are common types of bone fractures?
- Broken wrist
- Broken hip
- Broken leg
- Broken shoulder
- Broken hand or fingers
- Open fracture
- Stress fracture
- Compression fracture
- Broken rib
- Skull fracture
- Other fractures
- Bone fracture in children
- How is a bone fracture diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a bone fracture?
- Bone fracture surgery
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Bug Bites and Stings
Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever,...learn more »
In This Article
Bug Bites and Stings Article
- Bug bites and stings introduction
- What can I do to keep insects away?
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- When is medical attention needed?
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Burns (First Aid)
Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The...learn more »
In This Article
Burns (First Aid) Article
- Introduction to burns
- How are burns classified?
- What is the significance of the amount of body area burned?
- How important is the location of a burn?
- What about electrical burns?
- What about chemical burns?
- First aid for burns
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In This Article
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Article
- What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
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Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth,...learn more »
In This Article
Cellulitis Article
- Cellulitis facts
- What is cellulitis?
- What are cellulitis symptoms and signs?
- Where does cellulitis occur?
- What does cellulitis look like?
- What are cellulitis risk factors?
- What causes cellulitis?
- Is cellulitis contagious?
- How is cellulitis diagnosed, and what is the treatment for cellulitis?
- Can cellulitis be prevented?
- What is the outlook/prognosis for cellulitis?
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In This Article
Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds Article
- Cuts, scrapes (abrasions), and puncture wounds facts
- What is the best way to care for a cut or scrape?
- Who should seek medical care for a cut?
- What are the signs and symptoms of a wound infection?
- How are puncture wounds different?
- Will I need a tetanus shot for a cut, scrape, or
puncture wound?
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In This Article
DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis Article
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- How is De Quervain's tenosynovitis diagnosed?
- How is De Quervain's tenosynovitis treated?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) with De Quervain's tenosynovitis?
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In This Article
Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) Article
- Diabetes facts
- What is diabetes?
- What is the impact of diabetes?
- What causes diabetes?
- What are the different types of diabetes?
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Other types of diabetes
- What are diabetes symptoms?
- How is diabetes diagnosed?
- Why is blood sugar checked at home?
- What are the acute complications of diabetes?
- What are the chronic complications of diabetes?
- What can be done to slow diabetes complications?
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In This Article
Dog Bite (Treatment) Article
- How many dog bites occur?
- Who is at risk for a dog bite?
- What should I do if someone is bitten by a dog?
- When should I call the doctor for a dog bite?
- What is the treatment for a dog bite?
- How can dog bites be prevented?
- Safety tips to prevent dog bites
- Dog Bites At A Glance
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In This Article
Dupuytren's Contracture Article
- Dupuytren's contracture facts
- What is a Dupuytren's contracture?
- How fast does a Dupuytren's contracture develop?
- What are the causes and risk factors of a Dupuytren's contracture?
- What are the symptoms and signs of a Dupuytren's contracture?
- Is a Dupuytren's contracture limited to the hands?
- How is a Dupuytren's contracture diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a Dupuytren's contracture?
- What are complications of Dupuytren's contractures?
- Can a Dupuytren's contracture be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for Dupuytren's contracture?
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Ganglion
A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that forms from the joint or tendon lining. Ganglia are most frequently found in the ankles and...learn more »
In This Article
Ganglion Article
- What is a ganglion?
- Where do ganglia form, and what symptoms do they cause?
- How are ganglia treated?
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Gout
Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead...learn more »
In This Article
Gout Article
- Gout and hyperuricemia facts
- What is gout? What is hyperuricemia?
- Who is affected by gout?
- What are gout causes and risk factors?
- What are gout symptoms and signs?
- How is gouty arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for gout?
- Gout diet
- Gout medications
- What are complications of gout?
- Can gout be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with gout?
- What does the future hold for patients with gout and hyperuricemia?
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of
cartilage in the joints. Also...learn more »
In This Article
Osteoarthritis Article
- Osteoarthritis facts
- What is osteoarthritis?
- What causes osteoarthritis?
- What are osteoarthritis symptoms and signs?
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- "If I have minimal or no symptoms with early signs of osteoarthritis, what should I do?"
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- What does the future hold for osteoarthritis?
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Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the functioning of the nerves outside of the spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness,...learn more »
In This Article
Peripheral Neuropathy Article
- Peripheral neuropathy facts
- What is peripheral neuropathy?
- What causes peripheral neuropathy?
- What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
- How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?
- Is there any treatment for peripheral neuropathy?
- Can peripheral neuropathy be prevented?
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In This Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease Article
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- Lifestyle changes
- Supervised exercise
- Medications
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Pseudogout
Pseudogout, a form of arthritis, results when deposits of crystals collect in and around the joints. Symptoms of pseudogout...learn more »
In This Article
Pseudogout Article
- Pseudogout facts
- What is pseudogout?
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- What are risk factors for pseudogout?
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- Are there special circumstances that can promote attacks of
pseudogout?
- What are complications of pseudogout?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) of pseudogout?
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Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes skin and joint inflammation. Symptoms include painful, stiff, and swollen joints,...learn more »
In This Article
Psoriatic Arthritis Article
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- Disease-modifying medications
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
- Can psoriatic arthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as...learn more »
In This Article
Rheumatoid Arthritis Article
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) facts
- What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?
- What are complications of rheumatoid disease?
- How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
- "First-line" rheumatoid arthritis medications
- "Second-line" or "slow-acting" rheumatoid arthritis drugs
- What are newer treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
- What about rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy?
- Rheumatoid arthritis diet and other treatments
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
- What research is being done on rheumatoid arthritis?
- Where can people get additional information on rheumatoid arthritis?
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Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms and signs...learn more »
In This Article
Septic Arthritis Article
- What is septic arthritis?
- What microbes cause septic arthritis?
- Who is at risk of developing septic arthritis?
- What are symptoms and signs of septic arthritis?
- How is septic arthritis diagnosed?
- How is septic arthritis treated?
- What are complications of septic arthritis?
- Septic Arthritis At A Glance
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Snake Bites
Pet vipers are a family of poisonous snakes, which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins (cottonmouths)....learn more »
In This Article
Snake Bites Article
- Introduction to snake bites
- What are the symptoms of a poisonous snake bite?
- What is appropriate first aid for poisonous snake bites?
- How are poisonous snake bites treated?
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Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be...learn more »
In This Article
Sprains and Strains Article
- Muscle sprains and strains facts
- What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
- What causes a sprain or strain?
- Where do sprains and strains usually occur?
- What are sprain symptoms and signs?
- How are sprains and strains diagnosed?
- How are sprains and strains treated?
- What is the recovery time for sprains and strains?
- Can sprains and strains be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of sprains and strains?
- Where can people find more information about sprains and strains?
Other Causes of Hand Pain
Examples of Medications for Hand Pain
- acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others
- acetylsalicylic acid, Aspirin, Ecotrin
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.
- naproxen, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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