Hand pain when gripping – causes, treatment and prevention

Hand pain when grasping

Hand pain when gripping is closely anatomically related to other pain-triggering circumstances in the hand area. The number of potential causes is therefore particularly high. In the majority of cases, however, the pain can be traced back to tendonitis, repetitive strain injury syndrome (RSI syndrome), carpal tunnel syndrome, strains or rheumatic diseases. Neurological causes, on the other hand, are rare. A therapy of the pain is possible, but geared to the identified cause.

What is hand pain when gripping?

Hand pain when gripping is not the same for all those affected. An unpleasant, stabbing feeling when closing or opening the hand is often described. The pain often extends to all fingers or muscle groups . Radiating down to the lower area of ​​the hand (carpal) is also possible. In a large majority of those affected, the pain is limited to the moment of grasping. So they don’t feel any irritation when they keep their hands still. However, it is also possible that the pain persists after performing the gripping movement. In these cases, the temperature of the entire hand is elevated.

Inflammation is then suspected. Depending on the cause of the pain, sensory disturbances may also be present. Then, in addition to the pain in the narrower sense, there is also a tingling sensation or other paresthesias . The medical term paresthesia describes the perception of a feeling that was not caused by adequate external stimuli. In these cases, the possibility of neurological damage must also be considered. However, the majority of cases are not due to neurological causes. The most common conditions that cause hand pain when gripping are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, strains and RSI syndrome.

causes

Hand pain when gripping can be attributed to various causes. The exact sensations and their severity vary from patient to patient. Because in addition to the individual anatomy, there are also the duration, type and intensity of the disease and, last but not least, the subjective perception of pain. The underlying diseases to be considered do not always trigger the same type of pain. However, it is important to differentiate between the respective causes.One of the most common causes of hand pain when gripping is inflammation of the tendon sheaths (tenovaginitis). Tendonitis is particularly common in the hand area because the number of tendon sheaths and tendon compartments is increased here compared to the rest of the body. Those affected describe their pain as stabbing. It persists even after grasping movements are performed and is accompanied by a general increase in temperature throughout the hand area. Tendonitis is usually due to strain on the tendons (e.g. frequent typing on a keyboard, playing musical instruments, writing). However, it is also conceivable that the tendovaginitis has infectious causes.

Hand pain when gripping is also often caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as compression syndrome. Here the median nerve (Nervus medianes), which is located in the carpal canal, is compressed. It is therefore no longer possible for it to properly process impulses. Those affected experience a burning, painful sensation all over the hand and the adjacent forearm. Sensory disorders ( numbness , an inexplicable feeling of cold or tingling ) are also conceivable in acute cases. The compression can be caused by an increase in pressure in the carpal canal. The increase in pressure can be due to tissue damage, bruises, inflammation or overexertion.

Carrying out repetitive movements can also lead to the development of a repetitive strain injury syndrome (RSI syndrome), which also affects the neck area. Occasionally, the hand pain when gripping is also caused by strains or ligament injuries. These occur after jerky movements or falls. Elderly patients in particular also have a certain probability of developing a rheumatic disease.

Diseases

When to the doctor?

Pain in the hand often results from overuse. Anyone who works a lot with the computer knows the dreaded “mouse arm”. If this pain is only occasional and goes away on its own, there is no cause for concern. In the case of frequent and very severe pain, however, a doctor should be consulted immediately. The same applies if there are abnormal sensations or tingling in the hands as well as numbness or pain in the arm.

The doctor must then clarify whether a so-called RSI syndrome has already formed, which can very quickly become chronic if left untreated. If pain when gripping occurs for the first time after sport, those affected should consult the doctor at the latest when the fingers or hand begin to swell. The doctor then has to check whether there is a broken bone or a sprain and the hand needs to be splinted. An acute attack of gout can also make itself felt through pain when gripping. If no metabolic disease has been diagnosed so far, a doctor must clarify the causes.

diagnosis and course

Since the number of potential causes is high, gripping pain is often only correctly classified and diagnosed by a specialist. An orthopedist will perform some movement tests at the beginning of the physical exam. This is intended to localize the exact pain and determine the intensity of the impairment. Feeling of the individual fingers or the entire hand is also the norm. In most cases, however, technical or medical aids will be necessary to make a final diagnosis.

X-ray images , ultrasound images and magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) are usually taken . Computed tomography (CT) is also within the realm of possibility. Rheumatic diseases are ruled out primarily by blood tests, so that blood samples can also be taken. This applies more to older patients, since the likelihood of developing rheumatic diseases is increased here

complications

Hand pain when gripping can have various causes, which accordingly have various complications. For example, the pain can be caused by a muscle fiber tear . Normally, when the hand is immobilized, this heals without consequences. However, in some rare cases, a bruise can form in the muscle, which then ossifies (myositis ossificans). This severely impairs mobility and massively reduces the quality of life.

With carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand also has pain and cannot grip properly. As a rule, the disease heals the earlier it is recognized and treated without any complications. The longer the vessels and nerves are constricted, the more likely it is that they will become permanently damaged and thus lead to long-term hand pain and motor disorders.

In addition, Dupuytren’s disease can result in a severe restriction of movement of the fingers, which progressively worsens. Left untreated, this syndrome can result in the fingers becoming unable to straighten and in a permanently bent state. In the worst cases, the finger has to be amputated. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other joints in addition to the wrist, leading to stiffness . Other organs such as the heart or lungs can also be affected by this autoimmune disease and become inflamed and even lead to a loss of function.

treatment and therapy

How gripping hand pain is treated depends on the identified cause. In any case, it makes sense to take care of your aching hand. To do this, she can be immobilized by applying a splint or bandage. The implementation of physiotherapeutic or physiotherapeutic exercises makes sense regardless of the cause. Pain is relieved with medication .

As a rule, preparations based on the active ingredients ibuprofen and diclofenac are administered. Common dosage forms are ointments, film-coated tablets and creams. In the majority of cases, tendonitis can be treated conservatively with rest and medical massage. Carpal tunnel syndrome often requires surgical treatment. After that, it is quite likely that the median nerve will regain its full functionality, so that there is no need to fear permanent consequential damage.

outlook and prognosis

Hand pain when gripping has very different causes. The individual course of the disease and the respective prognosis are based on these. If the symptoms develop after strenuous physical activity or intensive sporting activities, the symptoms usually improve within a few hours or days. Subsequently, there is also a freedom from complaints. Rest, protection and cooling support recovery. Medical ointments and creams can also help to shorten the healing process.

In the case of chronic causes, the symptoms increase continuously over a longer period of time. Over weeks, months or years, the pain gradually spreads or the experience of pain becomes more intense. In many cases, treatment is not aimed at healing due to the characteristics of the underlying disease. Rather, the treatment plan focuses on increasing the symptoms as slowly as possible, since the damage is irreparable. If the pain can no longer be endured or if it leads to an unacceptable burden for the person concerned, an operation is carried out.

In the case of misalignments of the bones in the hand caused by a genetic disposition, an accident or a fall, surgical intervention also leads to relief. The bones are corrected or replaced so that the hand is then as free of symptoms as possible.

prevention

Hand pain when gripping can be prevented by strengthening the wrist through targeted training . However, care must be taken to avoid overloading. Because these can increase existing pain or cause new ones.In this context, it is therefore important to take sufficiently long breaks. A strong immune system can also help. For this purpose, a balanced diet in connection with sufficient sport is important.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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