HAND PAIN

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your finger. The condition is also known as “stenosing tenosynovitis.” The ring finger and thumb are most often affected by trigger finger, but it can occur in the other fingers, as well. When the thumb is involved, the condition is called “trigger thumb.”

Dupuytren’s

Dupuytren’s (du-pwe-TRANZ) contracture is a hand deformity that usually develops over years. The condition affects a layer of tissue that lies under the skin of your palm. Knots of tissue form under the skin – eventually creating a thick cord that can pull one or more fingers into a bent position.

The affected fingers cannot be straightened completely, which can complicate everyday activities such as placing your hands in your pockets, putting on gloves or shaking hands.

Dupuytren’s mainly affects the two fingers farthest from the thumb, and occurs most often in older men of Northern European descent.

Osteoarthritis

If your fingers hurt when you try to open a jar or turn a door knob, you likely have hand osteoarthritis. This causes pain and stiffness in your joints and can make basic tasks quite difficult. Although there is no cure, there are many ways to protect your joints and ease your pain.

Osteoarthritis occurs from wear and tear on your joints (overuse). The cartilage which is on the end of your bones helps to cushion the joints and allows them to slide easily. However, the cartilage can get worn down causing the bones to rub against each other.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect your joints. An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Lyme Disease

Sometimes, a person can experience arthritis due to late-stage Lyme disease. However, the symptoms of Lyme disease may go away and reappear months to years later causing pain and inflammation which can be resolved over time.