Hand Pain: Common Causes and Symptoms

Hand Pain: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options at Our Physio & Chiro Clinic

Hand pain can significantly impact your ability to work, exercise, and perform everyday tasks like typing, gripping, or opening jars. Because the hands are made up of many small bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves, pain can arise from a variety of causes. At our physiotherapy and chiropractic clinic, we focus on identifying the source of your hand pain and providing effective, individualized treatment to restore comfort and function.

Common Causes of Hand Pain

Hand pain may develop suddenly due to injury or gradually from repetitive strain or underlying conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
Repeated hand and wrist movements—such as typing, texting, or manual labor—can strain muscles and tendons, leading to pain, stiffness, and weakness.

2. Tendonitis and Tendinopathy
Inflammation or degeneration of the tendons in the hand or wrist can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with gripping or fine motor tasks.

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

4. Arthritis (Osteoarthritis or Inflammatory Arthritis)
Arthritis can affect the small joints of the hand, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion—often worse in the morning or after activity.

5. Trigger Finger
Trigger finger occurs when a finger becomes stuck in a bent position and then snaps straight. It may cause pain, clicking, or locking sensations during movement.

6. Sprains, Strains, and Fractures
Falls, sports injuries, or sudden trauma can injure ligaments, muscles, or bones in the hand, resulting in pain, swelling, bruising, and limited movement.

7. Nerve Irritation or Compression
Nerves traveling from the neck, shoulder, or elbow can contribute to hand pain, numbness, or tingling—an area where chiropractic and physiotherapy assessment is especially important.

Common Symptoms of Hand Pain

Hand pain can present differently depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:

• Aching, sharp, or burning pain

• Stiffness or reduced finger mobility

• Swelling or tenderness

• Weak grip strength

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers

• Clicking, locking, or catching sensations

If hand pain persists, worsens, or interferes with daily activities, professional care is recommended.

Treatment Options at Our Physio & Chiro Clinic

At our clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to hand pain, addressing both local symptoms and contributing factors elsewhere in the body.

Thorough Assessment and Diagnosis
We begin with a detailed assessment of your hand, wrist, arm, and spine, along with your posture, work habits, and activity levels to identify the root cause of your symptoms.

Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy may include:

• Targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination

• Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and improve joint and soft tissue mobility

• Education on ergonomics, posture, and activity modification

• Taping or bracing when appropriate

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment may focus on:

• Joint mobilization or adjustments to the wrist, elbow, shoulder, or spine

• Improving nerve function and movement patterns

• Reducing mechanical stress contributing to hand pain

Pain Management and Recovery
We use evidence-based techniques to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting long-term healing and function.

Prevention and Long-Term Relief
Our goal is not just short-term relief, but lasting results. We help you prevent recurrence by addressing movement habits, strength imbalances, and postural factors that may contribute to hand pain.

When to Seek Care

You should consider booking an appointment if:

• Hand pain lasts more than a few days

• You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness

• Pain affects your ability to work or perform daily tasks

• Symptoms worsen over time or follow an injury

Get Back to Using Your Hands Comfortably

Hand pain doesn’t have to control your daily life. With the right combination of physiotherapy and chiropractic care, many hand conditions can be effectively treated. At our clinic, we’re committed to helping you relieve pain, restore function, and get back to doing what you love—comfortably and confidently.