Left Hand Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Professional Insights

Regarding left hand pain?

Hello, I often experience soreness and pain in the back of my left hand, from the wrist to the metacarpal area.
The pain is not severe, but I am unable to exert force or lift heavy objects; I can manage lighter items.
Two years ago, there was a hard swelling on the inner side of my metacarpal, which I treated with analgesic ointment and massaged the area daily.
After about two to three months, it disappeared.
Whenever I experience symptoms in my hand, wrist, or metacarpal, I apply pain relief patches for two to three days, and the condition improves significantly.
This cycle has been ongoing for nearly three years.
My occupation is formwork carpenter, and I frequently reach for items hanging at my waist, doing this hundreds of times a day.
I wonder if this is the cause of my symptoms.
Many of my colleagues also experience soreness (occupational disease) and often visit traditional Chinese medicine clinics for massage, claiming it is due to poor blood circulation and energy flow.
However, I am hesitant to pursue that route, so I would like to ask what Western medicine has to say about this issue and what methods there are for improvement or resolution (such as heat therapy, electrical stimulation, or surgery).

williams, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/09/26

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology

According to your description, the pain in the back of your left hand may be due to tendonitis caused by poor posture and overuse.
Medications can only provide temporary pain relief, and improper massage may exacerbate the condition.
Since you often have to reach backward with your left hand—similar to how Tang Fei experienced tendonitis pain from shaking hands—I recommend the following: 1.
Improve the improper posture that leads to the condition, such as placing frequently used items in front of you.
2.
Apply heat to the left wrist.
3.
Use a wrist brace that stabilizes the wrist with metal support (not a standard brace) to reduce strain while working.
Based on my experience, it may take about 2-3 months to fully recover.

Reply Date: 2001/09/26

More Info

Understanding left hand pain, especially in the context of your profession as a formwork worker, involves a multifaceted approach that considers both the physical demands of your job and potential underlying medical conditions. Your symptoms, which include persistent discomfort in the back of your hand, wrist, and forearm, suggest that you may be experiencing a repetitive strain injury (RSI) or tendinopathy, particularly given the nature of your work that requires frequent lifting and reaching.

Causes of Left Hand Pain
1. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): This is a common condition among individuals whose jobs involve repetitive motions, such as lifting, gripping, or twisting. The symptoms you describe, including pain and occasional swelling, align with RSI, which can lead to inflammation of the tendons (tendinitis) or other soft tissue structures.

2. Tendinopathy: This condition occurs when the tendons become irritated or degenerated due to overuse. The hard lump you felt on the inner side of your forearm could indicate a localized area of inflammation or a thickening of the tendon.

3. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand. These conditions often arise from repetitive wrist movements or prolonged pressure on the nerves.

4. Arthritis: Although less likely given your description, arthritis can also cause joint pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis, in particular, can develop in the hands and wrists due to wear and tear over time.

Treatment Options
1. Rest and Activity Modification: The first step in managing your symptoms is to reduce the frequency of activities that exacerbate your pain. Consider alternating tasks or taking regular breaks to rest your hand.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around your wrist and improve flexibility. A therapist can provide you with specific exercises tailored to your needs and may also use modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can help relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow to the area, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain. Alternating between the two may provide relief.

4. Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Topical analgesics, such as pain relief patches or creams, may also be beneficial.

5. Ergonomic Adjustments: Evaluate your workspace and tools to ensure they are ergonomically designed to minimize strain on your hands and wrists. This might include using tools with padded grips or adjusting your posture while working.

6. Injections: If conservative treatments fail, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation in the affected area.

7. Surgery: In cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical options may be explored, particularly if there is significant nerve compression or structural damage.

Professional Insights
From a Western medical perspective, it is crucial to address the underlying causes of your symptoms rather than just treating the pain. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs), can help determine the exact cause of your pain. This will guide appropriate treatment strategies.

In contrast to traditional Chinese medicine approaches, which may focus on energy flow and meridian points, Western medicine emphasizes anatomical and physiological factors. While some patients find relief through acupuncture or massage, it is essential to integrate these therapies with evidence-based practices for optimal results.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may seem manageable now, it is advisable to seek a professional evaluation to prevent potential long-term damage. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and help you maintain your ability to work effectively.

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