Amelia Grant

The nerves in your hands provide a variety of functions. They're part of the network that sends pain, pressure, temperature, and tactile sensations back to the brain, in addition to regulating muscle movements.

Radiating pain, tingling, and numbness can occur when these are harmed, which can happen as a result of misuse, pressure, injury, or autoimmune illnesses, diabetes, or other health conditions. This severely restricts the motion and function of the hand, causing major disruption in your daily life.

The anatomy of the hand is extremely intricate. The radial, ulnar, and median nerves, as well as several branches, regulate both sensation and mobility in this area of the body, which is made up of bone, muscle, and ligaments.

Because of this complication, there is a considerable degree of variance in nerve pain, as well as a variety of illnesses that might cause it. The reason of nerve discomfort in the hands determines the treatment. To take it on, though, everything from house management to surgery may be required.

Causes of Nerve Pain in Hands

In general, nerve discomfort in the hands is caused by three sorts of diseases: overuse injuries, muscular or skeletal problems, and damage caused by other medical conditions.

Several factors can contribute to injuries, including falls and car accidents. They can produce discomfort by compressing the nerves too tightly, straining them too much, or destroying them.

Pinched Nerve

Nerve impingement in the hand can cause discomfort, numbness, and tingling. A pinched nerve can be caused by a number of things, including injury or arthritis, but it's most commonly linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. It affects persons of all ages, but it is more common in those over 50.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most prevalent compression-related nerve ailment, is a progressive condition that affects around 5% of the population.

This disorder, which is caused by continuous nerve irritation and results in pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand, is more common in older persons and women.

This syndrome can develop as a result of excessive hand use, during pregnancy, or as a result of chronic illnesses like diabetes.

Peripheral Neuropathy 

Damaged nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are referred to as peripheral neuropathy. In addition to pain, this illness can cause muscle weakness, numbness, and loss of coordination in the hands. Injury, autoimmune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and infection are all possible causes of peripheral neuropathy.

De Quervain’s Disease

De Quervain's tenosynovitis, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a nerve injury caused by inflammation of the tendons of the hand and thumb. It happens when the sheath of the tendon that connects the thumb to the wrist gets inflamed, causing discomfort, weakness, swelling, and a "grating" sensation in the wrist.

It can happen as a result of an accident or repetitive hand actions that put pressure on the thumb, such as knitting, carrying large objects, or squeezing hard.

Trigger Finger

Tendonitis that affects the index finger and thumb is known as trigger finger or trigger thumb. The predominant sign of this illness is catching or locking of the affected finger when straightened or bent. It can be caused by endemic illnesses like arthritis or diabetes, as well as excessive hand use.

Ganglion Cysts 

Nerve pain can also be caused by the formation of these fluid-filled sacs on the hands and wrists. Ganglion cysts are the most common type of growth seen in this area of the body, and they are noncancerous. They usually go away on their own, but treatment may be required.

These appear in the joints—often affecting the wrist—and can become serious when they impinge on the nerves, causing pain and compromising function.