What can cause pain in the palm of the hand?

Pain in the palm of the hand can affect a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. Causes can include injuries, infections, and conditions that affect the nerves, blood vessels, or tissues inside the hands.

In this article, we describe some possible causes of pain in the palm of the hand, along with other symptoms and treatment options. We also look into general treatment tips and when to see a doctor.

Injuries

Injuries to the hand are a common cause of pain and other types of discomfort, particularly in people who regularly use heavy equipment, play sports, or work in hazardous environments.

Injuries can damage key areas of the hand, including nerves, tendons, and muscles.

Examples of injuries that may lead to pain in the palm include:

·         knocks, blows, and forceful impacts, such as from dropping something heavy on the hand

·         falling on the hand

·         burns, such as from a cooking injury

·         cuts to the palm

·         insect bites or stings

·         overusing or overextending the hand, such as during sports or very repetitive tasks

Other symptoms of a hand injury can include bruising, swelling, and stiffness. More severe injuries can result in damage to the structures and tissues inside the hand and wrist, such as the:

·         joints

·         bones

·         tendons

·         ligaments

·         nerves

·         blood vessels

Treatment

A person can often treat mild hand injuries at home, such as by:

·         resting the hand as much as possible

·         applying ice to the area for up to 20 minutes at a time

·         taking over-the-counter pain relievers

People with more severe injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, should seek prompt medical attention. Also, see a doctor for hand injuries that get worse or do not seem to be getting better.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

When a person has carpal tunnel syndrome, this tunnel in the wrist becomes compressed or inflamed, placing pressure on the median nerve and tendons that run through it.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include:

·         pain in the wrist, palm, and fingers

·         numbness or a tingling sensation in the palm and fingers

·         weakness in the hand or a reduced ability to grip objects

Symptoms often begin gradually and may be worse at night or when a person first wakes up.

Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome can include:

·         hand and wrist injuries that cause swelling

·         regularly performing repetitive tasks with the hands

·         a frequent use of vibrating hand tools

·         pregnancy

·         diabetes

·         a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome can include:

·         wearing a brace or splint

·         avoiding or adjusting activities that may aggravate symptoms

·         taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen

·         receiving prescription medications, such as steroid or lidocaine injections

·         trying yoga, acupuncture, or chiropractic therapies

For people with severe or difficult-to-treat symptoms, a doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to reduce pressure on the median nerve.

 Source: Medical News Today