What does it mean when your hand hurts?

If you’re reading this article, chances are your hand is hurting like crazy right now. You may be a hypochondriac who thinks they have carpal tunnel syndrome or an injury from playing too much “Mortal Kombat”. Whatever the case may be, we’ve got some answers for you.

Common Causes of Hand Pain

There are many reasons why your hand might hurt. Here are a few possibilities:

Arthritis

Yes, even young people can get arthritis. It’s not just something that affects old folks waiting impatiently for their early-bird specials at IHOP. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the joints which leads to pain and stiffness.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

This condition happens when there’s increased pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist into your fingers causing symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in your hand (“Everything I Do” not included). CTS can occur due to repetitive motions (‘mashing’ buttons on a video game controller) or from fluid retention during pregnancy.

Tendinitis

Tendons connect muscle to bone helping movement of body parts like arms and legs. Repeating certain movements excessively (like practicing guitar scales) causes small tears in tendons leading to pain and swelling called tendinitis .

Rarest Cause of Hand Pain: Aliens!

Just kidding! Or am I? Seriously though if you hear strange sounds coming out of your palm emitting signals with intergalactic implications then take videos and pictures so later humans can study them after Earth gets taken over by otherworldy beings…But let’s save that conversation for another time.

Why Is My Hand Tingling?

Is there a sensation similar to electric shocks flowing through one side of hands making you feel uncomfortable? Well then prepare yourself because here comes Dermatitis. Dermatitis is a skin inflammation happening due to exposure to irritating substances (it could be dish soap or harsh chemicals) leading to dry, itchy and tingling sensations in the hand(s). Ouch!

What Does It Mean When Only One Hand Hurts?

So only one of your hands is hurting? That’s interesting because it could mean many different things like:

Nerve Compression

A compressed nerve may cause pain, numbness or weakness going down the arm into the fingers causing discomfort in just one hand.

Ganglion Cysts

Believe it or not, The name does NOT refer to members of gangs that indulge in bicep flexing contests! In reality a ganglion cysts forms from small tears caused by overuse on joint linings which often seep out fluid and accumulate forming tiny cysts causing tenderness and soreness mainly confined within one area; sometimes re-emerging after surgical removal.

How Do I Treat My Hand Pain?

There are numerous remedies you can try at home before calling on Dr. House for help:

Rest the Affected Arm

Resting your affected limb is very important but easier said than done when everyday tasks require both arms. However prioritizing quality sleep with reduced physical activity can provide immense relief improving injury recovery rate.

Apply Heat/Cold Therapy

Thanks, Mr./Ms.Freeze! Applying heating pads helps loosen stiff joints and relaxing contractions affecting nerves relieving muscular fatigue whereas an ice-pack decreases swelling from acute injuries accompanied with burning sensation e.g burns .It’s great news this treatment doesn’t need any electric device as even bags of frozen peas prove very helpful!

Additionally,a specialized massage technique known simply as ‘Hand Massage’ specifically designed towards reducing tension and restoring mobility proves effective too particularly if performed during daily bath sessions where lukewarm water soothes muscles further enhancing effectiveness.

### Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are another easy solution that is readily available in drugstores, you can choose from amongst branded and generic NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In serious cases opioid prescribed pain-relievers and muscle relaxants to reduce intensity of nerve impulses offering increased ease for patients .

What If My Hand Pain Won’t Go Away?

Sometimes home remedies aren’t enough to alleviate the ache. If your hand pain persists over several days without showing signs of improvement despite resting, using medication or simple physical therapy techniques then it’s time to get help!

Consult a doctor who will carry out various mechanical, electrophysiological examination including magnetic resonance imaging such as X-rays, CT scans , ultrasounds etc assisting uncovering potential reasons behind sustained discomfort.

For severe injuries/illnesses EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS may be necessary when experiencing unbearable sensations more often accompanied by loss of consciousness !

To sum up: Keep an eye on any inflammation developing from whatever activity regularly engaging oneself in. Resting is vital while applying heat/cold packs with water immersion sessions alleviating chronic discomforts; if none work consulting a medical professional becomes compulsory!