Hand Pain Coventry & Birmingham

Hand pain can occur in a variety of different ways. Your hand contains many fragile bones that are susceptible to damage and sprains. The following page describes a few symptoms of hand pain, and describes the possible causes and treatments.

Finger Injuries

Finger injuries are common and range from simple cuts to bone, tendon, or ligament damage. If not properly treated, finger injuries can lead to severe hand pain, deformity or permanent loss.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that opens and closes the finger is limited in movement, causing the finger to catch as the finger is extended.

The Cause of Trigger Finger

Thickening or a nodule in the flexor tendon of the finger thus making it difficult to extend the finger.

Tendons that control the movements of the fingers and thumb slide through a tunnel of tissue that keeps the tendon in place. The tendon can become irritated as it slides through the tunnel. As it becomes more irritated, the tendon thickens, making its journey through the tunnel more difficult. The tissues that hold the tendon in place do thicken, causing the opening of the tunnel to become smaller so the tendon becomes momentarily stuck at the beginning of the tunnel as the finger is extended. A crack may be felt as the tendon passes through. This causes hand pain and irritation may be felt while moving the finger.

Symptoms of trigger finger can start without any warning. Symptoms may include a small bump, hand pain, swelling, and a catching sensation in the finger or thumb joints. Stiffness and catching become worse after inactivity, finger movement will increase with activity. Sometimes, when the tendon breaks free, it feels like dislocate finger joint.

Thumb Sprains - Gamekeeper's Thumb

Gamekeeper's thumb occurs when the thumb is forcefully pushed backwards, thus stretching or tearing the ligament. Activities such as catching a ball can cause this injury; football and netball are the most common sports in which it occurs. Symptoms include hand pain with thumb movement, swelling and tenderness over the injured joint, and the inability to hold objects between the thumb and fingers.

Treatment includes splinting, rest, and ice. X-rays may be taken to rule out any fractures. Surgery may be needed if the joint is unstable. Prevention includes applying proper techniques when catching a ball, and avoiding falling on an outstretched hand.