It might start as a slight stiffness or an occasional twinge when you grip or lift something. Over time, it turns into a nagging discomfort that doesn’t quite go away. Hand pain, though often brushed off, can be a sign of strain, inflammation, or something deeper.
What is Hand pain?
Hand pain refers to discomfort or soreness in any part of the hand, including bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. It may result from acute injuries, overuse, chronic medical conditions like arthritis, or nerve-related issues.
One of the symptom of joint inflammation in diseases like arthritis is pain in the hand. Pain in the wrist and hand can also be caused by repetitive motion injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hand or finger pain is very rarely caused by tumours in the structures of the hand.
Other contributing factors include trauma (fractures, sprains), infections, tendonitis, nerve damage, and systemic conditions like diabetes, which can cause peripheral neuropathy—a nerve disorder that may present as pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet.
What all are the reasons for hand pain
There are many common problems which can cause hand pain such as:
1. Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common causes of arthritis in the hand. It causes symptoms like joint inflammation, which can lead to pain in the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome and other forms of repetitive hand muscle pain can cause pain in the wrists and hands.
Osteoarthritis results from cartilage breakdown, typically affecting the base of the thumb, the joint nearest the fingertip, or the middle joint of the fingers.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and joint deformity. It commonly affects the small joints in the hands and wrists.Symptoms may include:
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Joint swelling
- Decreased range of motion
Pain with movement or at rest.
2. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve—which passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist—becomes compressed or irritated.
The median nerve, which sends sensory and motor signals to the thumb and three middle fingers, can grow and reach the muscle, causing hand muscle pain. This can cause many symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
- Weak grip strength
- Worsening symptoms at night
- Relief with hand shaking in early stages
At the beginning of the illness, shaking your hands might help you feel better. But after a while, it might not affect the numbness. As carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse, the muscles in your hand may get smaller, making it harder to grip things. You’ll also feel more pain and cramping in your muscles.
If untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to muscle atrophy and loss of hand function.
7 Effective Hand Pain Relief Home Remedies
Here are 7 home remedies and medications for hand pain relief:
1. Change Your Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce chronic hand pain, particularly if caused by arthritis.
Include:
- Vegetables, fruits, whole grains
- Healthy fats (like omega-3s from fish, flaxseeds)
- Lean protein sources
Avoid:
- Sugary, highly processed foods
- Saturated and trans fats
2. Clean the plates
Soaking hands in warm water, such as while washing dishes, can relieve stiffness, increase circulation, and improve hand mobility. The warm water helps relax the muscles and reduces joint stiffness in arthritis.
3. Try a supplement
Several supplements may support joint health:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed oil)
- Vitamin D (supports bone and immune health)
- Vitamin C (anti-inflammatory antioxidant)
- Glucosamine and chondroitin (commonly used for osteoarthritis)
Always consult your doctor before starting supplements, especially if you have other health conditions or take medications.
4. Take a Swim
Even if you can’t lift weights or do push-ups, you can still move around and do things to help ease your pain. Swimming or aqua therapy is a low-impact, full-body workout that can reduce joint stress while building muscle strength. It’s beneficial for individuals with arthritis or chronic joint pain, as the water supports body weight and allows free movement without strain.
5. Have a cup of tea
Green tea contains polyphenols with anti-inflammatory effects. Drinking 2–3 cups a day may help reduce joint inflammation. Teas like ginger or turmeric tea can also support pain relief.
6. Try using turmeric
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has well-studied anti-inflammatory properties. You can:
- Add turmeric to food or smoothies
- Take turmeric supplements (with black pepper for better absorption)
Discuss dosage with a healthcare provider, particularly if you are on blood thinners or have liver disease.
7. Cool and Warm
Alternating between heat and cold packs helps manage pain:
- Heat (warm towels, heating pads): Increases blood flow, relaxes muscles
- Cold (ice packs): Reduces swelling and numbs sharp pain
Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day, depending on the condition. Avoid direct contact with skin—wrap packs in a cloth.
If home remedies do not provide relief, medications and professional therapies may be necessary:
Over-the-counter pain relievers:
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen
- Topical analgesics: Creams or gels with ingredients like diclofenac or capsaicin
Prescription medications:
- For nerve pain (e.g., due to diabetic neuropathy), drugs like gabapentin or pregabalin may be prescribed.
Physical therapy:
- A structured exercise program improves flexibility, strengthens hand muscles, and reduces stiffness.
Always follow dosage instructions and consult your doctor before starting or adjusting any medication. Overuse of NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and liver or kidney damage.
Also Read: Top 10 Pain Relief Gel in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation, rest the hand, and use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for quick relief.
Hand pain can be alleviated by resting the affected hand, applying ice or heat, and performing gentle stretching exercises. Using anti-inflammatory medications and ergonomic tools can also help reduce pain and prevent it from recurring.
A home remedy for nerve pain in the hands includes soaking the hands in warm water to improve blood circulation and reduce pain. Gentle massage with essential oils, like lavender or chamomile, and maintaining a proper posture while using your hands can also help alleviate nerve pain.
Drinking herbal teas like chamomile or turmeric tea can be beneficial for nerve pain. These teas have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with nerve issues.
Commonly used tablets include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. For nerve pain, prescription drugs like gabapentin or pregabalin may be used. Always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
References
- Liu, X., Robbins, S., Eyles, J., Fedorova, T., Virk, S., Deveza, L. A., McLachlan, A. J., & Hunter, D. J. (2021). Efficacy and safety of a supplement combination on hand pain among people with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis an internet-based, randomised clinical trial the RADIANT study. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 29(5), 667–677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2021.01.011
- Hand Pain and Problems. (2024, March 12). Hopkinsmedicine.Org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hand-pain-and-problems
- van der Meulen, C., van de Stadt, L. A., Kroon, F. P. B., Niesters, M., Rosendaal, F. R., & Kloppenburg, M. (2025). In clinical hand osteoarthritis research, self-reported pain questionnaires do not reflect the patient experience. Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 64(6), 3492–3499. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keaf029
- Top 5 ways to reduce crippling hand pain. (2024, August 1). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/top-5-ways-to-reduce-crippling-hand-pain
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