What Your Hands Are Trying to Tell You

Your hands do more than just help you complete daily tasks—they can also be messengers about your health. When your hands start showing signs like numbness, pain, stiffness or trouble moving, it’s their way of telling you that something might be wrong. These symptoms may point to various hand conditions that deserve your attention. Below are six common hand conditions and the key symptoms you should know about:

Condition	What It Is	Symptoms
Arthritis of the Thumb	The cartilage at the base of the thumb wears down, causing pain and changes in the joint	Pain at the base of the thumb Trouble pinching A bump at the base of the thumb
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome	A pinched nerve in the wrist caused by swelling in the carpal tunnel	Numbness Tingling Pain Weakened grip
De Quervain Syndrome	Painful tendon swelling on the thumb side of the wrist	Pain when moving the thumb or wrist
Ganglion Cysts	Noncancerous fluid-filled lumps that appear near joints or tendons	A visible lump that may change size Lump hurts when pressed
Mallet Finger	When the tendon that straightens your finger is damaged	A drooping fingertip that can't straighten Pain Swelling Bruising
Trigger Finger	When the tendon that helps your finger move feels stuck	Pain A lump at the base of the finger A clicking or popping feeling

What Might Be Causing These Issues?

Many things may lead to hand discomfort or pain. Here are some reasons behind these hand conditions:

• Repetitive Movements: Doing the same hand motions over and over, like typing, gripping or using tools may put stress on your hands.
• Injuries: Falls, sports injuries or accidents can damage the bones, tendons or joints in your hands.
• Swelling or Inflammation: Swelling in the hand from conditions like arthritis or tendon problems may create pressure on nerves and make it painful to move.
• Normal Wear and Tear: As we age, the cartilage in our joints can wear down, leading to arthritis or other issues over time.
• Health Conditions: Certain health problems like diabetes, thyroid issues or rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of hand-related conditions.

Pain Relief is in Your Hands

If your hands are telling you that something’s wrong, don’t ignore them. Persistent pain, worsening symptoms or trouble with everyday tasks are signs it’s time to consult a doctor. Getting a proper diagnosis may uncover the real cause so your physician can provide appropriate treatment options for relief.