Top of the Hand Pain

Top of the hand pain often results from the wearing down of or damage to the cartilage of the joints in the hand. Fortunately, this type of pain is treatable and preventable with lifestyle changes and medication.

Features

• Pain in the top of the hand may occur as stiffness, loss of flexibility, inability to twist or grasp, dull aches or sharp cramps that may worsen over time, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Identification

• Doctors diagnose pain in the top of the hand by conducting a physical exam and may order tests such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood work and joint fluid analysis, says MayoClinic.com.

Causes

• Hand pain often results from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, according to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Other causes might include carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse injury and traumatic injury.

Effects

• People with pain in the top of the hand may have difficulty performing normal daily tasks, such as typing, cooking or writing. As a result, they may lose confidence and self-esteem.

Treatment

• Treatment for pain in the top of the hand depends on the condition causing the pain. These can include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, prescription painkillers, cortisone injections, physical therapy and surgery, according to MayoClinic.com.

Prevention/Solution

• Using assistive devices and ergonomic equipment, taking breaks during repetitive tasks, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress and stretching the fingers and hands can help prevent top of the hand pain, reports the National Library of Medicine.