Hand pain is more than just a nuisance; it’s a barrier to daily life, impacting everything from the simplest tasks like buttoning a shirt to more complex activities like typing or pursuing hobbies. If you're experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness in your hands, you understand how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, for residents of Western New York, expert help is available right here in Buffalo. At the Buffalo Arthritis Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the diverse causes of hand pain, helping you regain function and improve your quality of life.
Hand pain can stem from a wide array of conditions, ranging from inflammatory diseases to repetitive strain injuries. Identifying the specific cause is the first critical step toward effective treatment.
1. Arthritis: This is arguably the most common culprit behind chronic hand pain, and it's a primary focus of our expertise at the Buffalo Arthritis Center.* Osteoarthritis (OA): Often called "wear-and-tear" arthritis, OA affects the cartilage that cushions your joints. In the hands, it commonly targets the base of the thumb, the middle joint of the fingers (PIP joints), and the joint closest to the fingertip (DIP joints). Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and the development of bony knobs (Heberden's or Bouchard's nodes).* Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease, RA causes the immune system to attack the joint lining, leading to inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventually joint deformity. It typically affects the wrist and the knuckle joints (MCP joints) symmetrically, often in both hands.* Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): This form of arthritis can affect people with psoriasis and often presents with "sausage digits" (dactylitis), swelling of an entire finger or toe, as well as pain and stiffness in the finger joints.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This common condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. It results in numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. Many people describe it as a "pins and needles" sensation, often worse at night or after repetitive hand movements.
3. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, this condition causes pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb, especially when grasping or making a fist. It's common in new parents or those who perform repetitive lifting.
4. Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): If you experience a catching, locking, or popping sensation when you try to straighten your finger, you might have trigger finger. This occurs when the tendon sheath in the palm becomes inflamed, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly.
5. Ganglion Cysts: These non-cancerous lumps often appear on the back of the wrist or at the base of the finger. While often painless, they can cause pain if they press on a nerve or if they are in a location that interferes with hand movement.
6. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Activities involving repeated movements, awkward postures, or forceful exertions can lead to inflammation and pain in the tendons, muscles, and nerves of the hand and wrist. This can include anything from extensive computer use to certain sports or manual labor.
7. Acute Injuries: Fractures (broken bones), sprains (ligament injuries), and dislocations can all cause sudden, severe hand pain and often require immediate medical attention.
Beyond the obvious pain, hand conditions often present with a variety of symptoms that can significantly interfere with your daily routine. These include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms persistently, especially if they are worsening or impacting your ability to perform daily tasks, it's crucial to seek professional medical evaluation. Delaying treatment can lead to further joint damage and prolonged discomfort.
Imagine not being able to open a stubborn jar, struggling to tie your shoes, or finding that your favorite hobby, like gardening or playing a musical instrument, has become too painful to enjoy. This is the reality for many living with hand pain. Beyond the physical discomfort, chronic hand pain can lead to:
At the Buffalo Arthritis Center, we understand that hand pain affects your entire quality of life, and our goal is to help you reclaim it.
At the Buffalo Arthritis Center, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for residents throughout Buffalo, NY, and the surrounding regions. Our commitment to your well-being is evident in our:
Hand pain doesn't have to be a permanent fixture in your life. With proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, relief is possible, allowing you to return to the activities you love and enjoy a better quality of life. If you're struggling with hand pain in Buffalo, NY, don't wait.
Take the first step toward lasting relief . Let the Buffalo Arthritis Center help you regain control and dexterity in your hands.
