Do You Have Pain on Top of Your Hand? We Look at 5 Possible Causes

Regardless, the sharp, stinging discomfort in your hand is making regular activities challenging at best.

Pain on the top of your hand can make everyday tasks difficult, so getting a timely and accurate diagnosis is essential. Since we rely on our hands for nearly everything, an injury to one—or both—can be painful, frustrating, and even overwhelming.

At Conway Medical Center, we have a dedicated team of orthopedic surgeons in Horry County and Myrtle Beach who are ready to diagnose and resolve the pain on the top of your hand. We’ll enable you to regain strength, function and comfort. Schedule an appointment today and see why so many entrust their hands to our professional healthcare team.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five of the most common causes of pain on the top of the hand, as well as when you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

5 Possible Causes for Pain on Top of Your Hand

1. Tendonitis

Tendonitis can affect anyone, whether you’re a sports athlete or an office worker. Overuse or repetitive motions–such as typing, using tools or playing sports– can inflame tendons that run along your hand.

It’s a common condition that presents signs such as:

• Swelling
• Aching
• Stiffness
• Pain that gets worse with movement

Rest, ice and bracing are some treatment strategies that can provide relief.

2. Ganglion Cysts

A lump on your hand could be a fluid-filled ganglion cyst. These often develop near joints or tendons and can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain or weakness.

Sometimes, these cysts can be aspirated, where we remove the fluid from the cyst. However, others may need surgical intervention.

3. Osteoarthritis

Your joints have endured a lot of wear and tear through the years, and this can lead to osteoarthritis. Symptoms include:

• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Reduced range of motion

We offer an extensive array of treatments for osteoarthritis, including anti-inflammatory medication or, in extreme cases, surgical intervention.

4. Nerve Compression

There is a nerve that runs through your wrist called the radial nerve. It can become compressed, resulting in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Common causes include:

• Repetitive activities
• Poor ergonomics
• Inflammation
• Injuries

Often, this can be effectively treated with physical therapy and ergonomic adjustments.

5. Injuries

This includes conditions such as:

• Fractures
• Sprains
• Strains
• Ligament damage
• Trauma
• Bruising

Medical imaging is vital because it can determine the extent and scope of your injury so we can apply effective treatment. Sometimes, pain in the affected area develops gradually, so just because you’re not in immediate pain doesn’t mean that you haven’t suffered an injury.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain (Either immediately or over time)
• Bruising
• Weakness in the affected area
• Swelling

How Can I Alleviate Top of Hand Pain?

The first step to alleviating the pain is to get a timely and accurate diagnosis from one of our leading orthopedic doctors in Myrtle Beach and Horry County. Once we understand the heart of your problem, we can begin to provide effective treatment.

Some nonsurgical solutions include:

• Splinting
• Corticosteroid injections
• NSAIDs
• Alternating between applying heat and cold
• Specialized exercises and stretches

However, as we mentioned earlier, the best treatment strategy will depend upon the underlying cause.

When Should I See an Orthopedic Doctor for My Hand Pain?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Does the pain interfere with my ability to perform daily tasks?
• Has the pain grown more intense?
• Does it hurt even when at rest?
• Has the pain persisted despite home care?

If you answered yes to any of these, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons.

Other indicators include:

• Severe pain
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Difficulty or inability to move your fingers or wrist
• Pain that continues for more than a few days

When you experience these, contact us for an appointment so we can tailor a treatment for you in a timely manner.  Delays could cause the symptoms to get worse, resulting in a more severe injury.

We Can Alleviate Pain on the Top of Your Hand–Speak to Our Experts Today

We’ve earned several accolades for care that is both state-of-the-art and highly personalized. We invite you to see for yourself why our services have been continually recognized for excellence.

Because it’s difficult to determine the severity of an injury or the extent of these conditions, you need a professional, experienced healthcare team ready to serve you. Fortunately, pain can often be relieved without the need for surgery.

Delaying treatment can make your injury worse, so contact our team today.