Hand and wrist pain

Hand and (or) wrist pain is common and can often develop without any clear injury.

What causes it?

Common causes include:

• Prolonged typing or phone use
• Repetitive gripping or pinching
• Strain from carrying heavy items

What can affect it?

• Using devices or tools without hand support
• Cold environments (which can stiffen joints)
• Underlying problems in the neck or shoulder

Management tips

• Rest the area briefly, but continue gentle movement.
• Apply ice or heat depending on what feels better.
• Avoid gripping things too tightly.

General wrist and hand pain advice

The wrist and hand contain a lot of different joints and structures which work together to allow movement and function. Pain in the hand, wrist or fingers is very common and is usually nothing serious. It will usually settle by itself but there are some simple things you can do to help manage your pain.

Ice

If you have a new injury or swelling in the hand applying a cold or ice pack can help reduce swelling as well as pain. Make sure any ice pack is wrapped in a towel or cloth and not applied directly to the skin as this can cause an ice burn. Apply the ice pack for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time.

If you have any circulation problems only apply the ice for a few minutes and closely monitor your skin.

Heat

Heat should be avoided if you have a new injury as it can make swelling worse by increasing blood flow to the area.

However if your pain is more than a few days old heat is a simple safe way to relieve pain. Use a heat pack, wheat bag or small hot water bottle and apply to the affected hand. Always wrap the hot water bottle in a towel first to reduce the risk of burns. You can keep the heat pack applied for as long as it is comfortable; just make sure to check your skin regularly.

Elevation:

Swelling can make the hand more painful and difficult to move. Try to keep the hand elevated (lifted up) above your heart level as much as you can. This will help swelling drain away.

Painkillers

You can take basic painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if your pain is severe. These are available over-the-counter and do not need a prescription. Check the information with any medication you purchase for the correct dose and any possible reasons why you should not use them.  If you are taking any other medication or have other medical conditions it is advisable to speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking additional pain relief.

You can also buy anti-inflammatory or ibuprofen gels and creams. Some people find these more helpful than tablets as you can apply it directly to the painful part of the hand and have fewer side effects.

You can also buy heat and cold gels to apply to the skin. These have the same effects as applying a hot or cold pack but are more portable when you are out and about.

Splinting:

For most types of wrist and hand pain splinting is not necessary. However it can help give your wrist and hand more support which may make it less painful and easier to use while it recovers.
You can buy standard splints in many pharmacies or online.
They usually come in different sizes and are designed for different parts of the hand. Some splints are very soft and supple to allow your hand to move; others are more rigid and keep it fixed in one position.

If you do decide to wear a splint it is important that you do not wear it all the time. Make sure to remove it regularly to do some stretches and exercises with your hand and wrist.

Movement

It is ok to rest from activities which you find painful at first but you should try and use your wrist and hand as much as you can. Keeping it moving with simple exercises will help ease the pain and swelling and prevent the joints from stiffening up. Avoid doing anything too strenuous or heavy with your hand for the first few days and do not continue doing any activity which makes your pain a lot worse for a long time after you have stopped the activity.

Once the pain begins to settle you can begin strengthening your hand and fingers to get back to your normal activities.

When to see a doctor

Many episodes of wrist or hand pain get better or improve on their own, however please consult your GP if you have been experiencing any of the following:

• Constant and (or) severe pain present day and night that you cannot settle
• Constant and (or) severe numbness or tingling in any of your fingers or thumbs
• New, severe and (or) progressive weakness associated with the condition affecting your wrist and hand
• Heat, redness or swelling associated with the pain in your wrist, hand or finger joints
• Feeling unwell or experiencing a fever in conjunction with your wrist and hand pain
• Your symptoms are worsening and are not improving despite following advice already given
• A sudden change in colour of your hand suggesting a significant problem with circulation to the extremity

Seek urgent medical attention if:

• you have significant loss of movement or strength after a sudden, traumatic or high impact injury to your wrist or hand