Hand Pain

Simple chores like washing dishes and buttoning a shirt can become a struggle when you have hand pain. At Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ, with offices in Summit and Montclair, New Jersey, sports medicine specialists Melissa Mascaro, MD, Joelle Stabile Rehberg, DO, and Christina Hector, DO, provide diagnosis and treatment for hand pain using effective, noninvasive therapies. Call today or use this website to schedule an appointment today.

When should I see a specialist about hand pain?

If you have any aching, stiffness, or discomfort that affects your fingers, thumb, palm, or wrist and persists for more than a week, it’s time to make an appointment at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ. 

Get prompt care if you have pain that keeps you from moving your hand, fingers, or wrist or if you have tingling that runs along your arm. If you suspect you have a broken hand, contact the team immediately. They take a conservative, patient-centric approach to your treatment. 

What causes hand pain?

Hand pain can result from an injury, including overuse injuries. Some common causes of hand pain include: 

• Tendinitis
• Ganglion cysts
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis
• Lupus
• Trigger finger

Fracture and dislocation of joints can also cause hand pain. These are frequent injuries if you play sports.

How is hand and wrist pain diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your records, asks about your symptoms, and does an exam to diagnose hand and wrist pain. They carefully assess your hand and wrist, looking for redness, bruising, or swelling.

They gently press on your palm or wrist, looking for areas of sensitivity. You may also grab and pick up several objects to evaluate your strength and function. If these tests don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, your provider will order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. The team may also recommend an EMG/nerve conduction study for further review. 

How is hand and wrist pain treated?

Treatment for hand pain depends on the cause. The team at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ may recommend one or more of the following therapies:

• Ice and/or warm compresses
• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Ultrasound therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Oral or injected medication
• Osteopathic manipulations
• Bracing or casting

The goal of treatment is to get you back to normal hand use as soon as possible by reducing pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring your natural range of motion.

If you have hand pain, don’t delay making an appointment at Family and Sport Medicine Institute of NJ. Call one of the offices today or use this website to book your visit.