Hand Stiffness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hand stiffness

Hello, Doctor.
Let me explain my situation.
In the past, my left hand experienced severe pain and inflammation.
I consulted many hospitals but couldn't find an answer.
Additionally, it became stiff, and the range of motion in my wrist decreased significantly; I could only achieve about 20 degrees instead of the normal 90 or 80 degrees.
This hand had previously been injured, but it hadn't caused issues for a long time.
However, in the past couple of days, my right hand has developed the same problem, even though it has never been injured.
It is very painful, feels sore, and has a tingling sensation.
The entire wrist is quite stiff, and I am worried that if this continues, it will end up like my left hand.
I am very concerned.
I had an X-ray done on my left hand before, and they mentioned that there was already some bone growth in the wrist area.
But now, my right hand started hurting just a few days ago.

Tòng dào xiǎng bǎ shǒu zhuō diào, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/11/18

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics

If there is unexplained swelling or warmth in the wrist, or unexplained joint pain, it is important to consider autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
It is recommended to visit a hospital's orthopedic or rheumatology department for a detailed examination.
Wishing you good health and a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2006/11/18

More Info

Understanding hand stiffness, particularly when it is accompanied by pain and inflammation, can be quite complex. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as reduced range of motion, stiffness, and pain, can be attributed to several potential causes. Given your history of previous injury and the recent onset of symptoms in your right hand, it is essential to consider both mechanical and inflammatory factors.

Causes of Hand Stiffness
1. Previous Injury: Your left hand has a history of injury, which may have led to changes in the joint structure or soft tissue, resulting in stiffness and reduced mobility. Even after the initial injury has healed, conditions such as post-traumatic arthritis or joint contractures can develop.

2. Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or tendinitis can cause inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. The fact that you are experiencing similar symptoms in your right hand, which has not been previously injured, raises the possibility of an underlying inflammatory condition.

3. Overuse or Repetitive Strain: If you engage in activities that require repetitive hand movements, this can lead to overuse injuries. This is particularly relevant if you perform tasks that involve gripping or twisting motions, which can strain the tendons and ligaments in the wrist and hand.

4. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can cause symptoms of pain, numbness, and stiffness due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist. This could explain the "tingling" sensation you mentioned.

5. Fibrosis or Scar Tissue Formation: Following an injury, scar tissue can form, which may restrict movement and lead to stiffness. This can happen even if the initial injury seems to have healed.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Pain: Is the pain sharp, dull, or throbbing? Does it worsen with activity or at rest?
- Swelling: Is there visible swelling in the affected joints?
- Range of Motion: You mentioned a significant reduction in the range of motion in your left hand. It is crucial to assess how this compares to your right hand.

- Numbness or Tingling: These sensations can indicate nerve involvement and should be evaluated.

Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program can help improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the joints. A physical therapist can provide specific exercises tailored to your condition.

2. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. If an inflammatory condition is suspected, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

3. Splinting: Using a splint can help immobilize the wrist and hand, allowing for rest and reducing inflammation. This is particularly useful if you have a tendency to overuse your hands.

4. Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the affected joints can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain.

5. Surgery: In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical options may be considered, especially if there is significant joint damage or nerve compression.

Next Steps
Given your symptoms and history, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a rheumatologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Additionally, they can guide you on the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific condition.

In summary, hand stiffness can arise from various causes, including previous injuries, inflammatory conditions, overuse, and nerve compression. A comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan are essential for managing your symptoms and improving your hand function.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hand Pain: Symptoms and Causes of Finger Stiffness

Last winter, I woke up one morning with my palms slightly bent, my fingers together and unable to bend, feeling as if someone was tightly gripping my fingers, accompanied by a crushing pain. This condition persisted for two consecutive days until yesterday afternoon (August 4, 20...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello: Many conditions can cause the above situation. For your health, please schedule a follow-up examination at the outpatient clinic. Thank you!

Understanding Morning Hand Stiffness: Causes and Solutions

Hello, Dr. Hsiao: I have been experiencing an issue over the past year, which has occurred about ten times. Usually, I am able to sleep through the night, but this phenomenon happens when I suddenly wake up in the middle of my sleep. Upon waking, I notice that my left fingers an...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Judy: 1. Clinically, the presence of numbness or tingling sensations in the limbs indicates damage to the sensory nerves. While most cases are due to chronic peripheral nerve injuries, it is common for patients to report acute and transient symptoms such as numbness, ti...

Understanding Wrist Pain and Numbness: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, I have recently been experiencing weakness in my left pinky finger, and it feels sore when I try to exert force. Sometimes, when I'm typing, I also feel a tingling sensation. Additionally, the flexibility of my pinky has significantly decreased compared to befo...

Dr. Lai Lunxiang reply Neurology
Hello! I personally believe that 1. tendon strain, 2. bone issues, 3. uric acid problems, and 4. poor posture should be considered in order of exclusion. Thank you for your inquiry!

Understanding Hand Stiffness and Weakness After Bed Rest: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for five months for bed rest (from September to January). During this period, I only got out of bed to use the restroom and spent all my time lying in bed. After my cesarean section on January 24, I have been experiencing weakness in both hands. ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Based on your description: You mentioned symptoms of finger stiffness, and I'm unsure if there are any sensory abnormalities. Pregnancy can increase the likelihood of median nerve compression, commonly known as carpal tunnel syndrome. I recommend discussing examination and t...