Why do my hands hurt? Arthritis and other causes of arm pain: What's it, treatment, symptoms, diagnostics, prevention
Sometimes you feel pain in your fingers or wrist? You have difficulty moving your fingers or grasping objects? It may feel like just a tingle, or it could be a burning pain. Pain comes and goes, so you are not sure, is it worth worrying about it. you just wonder: why do my hands hurt? Here are three possible culprits for arm pain and how to fix them..
Arthritis: cause of arm pain
Arthritis: what is this
Arthritis is one of the most common causes of arm pain., that affects millions of people every year. Arthritis develops over time and causes joint inflammation. It may be in the knuckles, wrist or in several places on the arm.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. The bones of your hand are lined with cartilage (synovium) and lubricated with liquid (synovial fluid), which allows you to move your hands and fingers freely. Osteoarthritis there, when the cartilage wears out and no longer cushions the friction of the bones. It causes pain, edema, inflammation and even changes in the shape of the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis, second most common type of arthritis, works a little differently. It is a chronic disease, which can affect other parts of the body, but most often rheumatoid arthritis starts in the hands. At the same time, the articular membrane swells, causing pain and stiffness.
Both types of arthritis develop slowly over time., but rheumatoid arthritis often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, whereas osteoarthritis can only affect one side.
what can you do, if you have arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition with many treatment options.. As the condition worsens over time, it is better to seek medical help as soon as possible. Even if you think, that the pain in the hand is weak, book an appointment with a doctor. You can exercise, wear arthritis gloves and take medication to relieve symptoms.
Carpal tunnel disease: cause of arm pain
Carpal tunnel disease: what is this
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage at the base of the hand., containing ligaments and tendons. When this passage narrows, pinched nerves, causing pain, pricking, numbness and even swelling of the hands and fingers.
Same as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome starts easy and worsens over time. Probably, you will first have symptoms in your dominant hand. It can develop due to the frequent use of vibrating instruments., injuries or cysts in the tunnel of the hand. People with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis may be more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
what can you do, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome
Consult your doctor, when you first notice the symptoms. Addressing the problem in a timely manner will help you reduce further damage and cure carpal tunnel syndrome.. Your doctor may identify other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, and help you cope with these conditions, to limit hand symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend changes to your daily activities and treatment options, such as splints or painkillers, to manage symptoms.
Nerve problems due to diabetes: cause of arm pain
What is diabetic neuropathy
Nerve damage in diabetes, called diabetic neuropathy, can lead to problems with bones and joints and cause pain in the hands. Joint problems, associated with diabetes, have similar symptoms to arthritis, including pain, swelling and stiffness.
Common problems, that cause arm pain in people with diabetes, include:
- trigger finger: your finger gets stuck in a bent position and can painfully pop back out, when you straighten it. It's caused by a swollen tendon.
- diabetic hand syndrome: the skin on the hands thickens, making it difficult to move your arms or straighten your fingers.
- Neuropathy: nerve damage causes pain, numbness or tingling in the hands.
what can you do, if you have diabetic neuropathy
The first step to treating or preventing hand problems due to diabetes is to make sure, that you are coping with illness and controlling your blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor, if you have problems controlling your diabetes.
Most states, causing pain in the arms, can be treated or controlled, and it is best to seek treatment as early as possible - as soon as possible after, how do you first start wondering: Why do my hands hurt?» Your doctor can diagnose the problem and treat your symptoms, or you may be referred to an orthopedist, doctor, who specializes in bone and joint health. Seeking care early will help you preserve hand function longer and reduce further damage..