Pain when using tools, lifting objects, or opening jars – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, often worsened by gripping or repetitive motions.
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain when gripping, pinching, or moving the thumb.
• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): Inflammation of the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow, causing pain that can radiate down the arm and worsen with gripping.
• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow): Inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, causing pain aggravated by gripping and wrist flexion.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints of the hand and wrist, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Trigger Finger: A condition affecting the tendons in the fingers, causing pain, stiffness, and a snapping sensation.
• Ganglion Cyst: A noncancerous, fluid-filled lump that can develop on tendons or joints in the hand or wrist, sometimes causing pain.

Diagnosis:

• Physical Exam: Assessing range of motion, tenderness, and specific movements that reproduce the pain.
• Patient History: Gathering information about the onset, duration, nature of the pain, and any related activities or injuries.
• Imaging: X-rays to rule out fractures or arthritis. MRI scans may be used to visualize soft tissues.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: To assess nerve function in cases of suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
• Ice/Heat: Applying ice or heat to the affected area.
• Splinting/Bracing: To immobilize the wrist or elbow and promote healing.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: May be necessary in some cases, such as carpal tunnel release or tendon repair.

Important Considerations:

• Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe pain.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important.