OSNA's Expert Q & A - Hand Pain

Q: How common is hand pain?
A: Hand pain is quite common and can be attributable to many different causes.

Q: How do I distinguish between occasional hand pain and ongoing pain that warrants medical attention?A: Any pain that is unexplained or does not begin to resolve as you would expect deserves medical evaluation.Q: What are the main causes of hand pain?
A: Trauma is the most obvious, but pain can be the first sign of a number of other disorders, including neurologic, metabolic, degenerative or bone pathology

Q: How do I know if my hand pain is connected with carpal tunnel syndrome?
A: Pain is a common complaint in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome.  Usually the pain is ill defined, non-specific and associated with numbness/tingling in the fingers.

Q: What are the main treatments for hand pain?
A: Specific treatment depends on the cause of the pain.  This may include rest, ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications.  Occasionally, therapy or surgery may be required.

Q: What are the benefits of seeing a hand specialist?
A: Hand specialists are practiced at sorting out the potential causes of pain and can help coordinate an appropriate treatment regimen

Q: What is your advice for patients with hand pain?
A: If there are any concerns about the cause or treatment options for your hand pain, see your orthopedic specialist.