Introduction
If you’re experiencing hand pain, it could be a sign of something much more serious than just a minor ache. While it’s normal to experience some discomfort in your hands from time to time, persistent or severe pain could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the surprising signs that your hand pain is something much more serious and what you should do if you experience them. We’ll also provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help manage your hand pain.
Surprising Signs Your Hand Pain is Something Much More Serious
If you’re experiencing hand pain, it’s important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms. While it’s possible that the pain is simply due to overuse or an injury, it could also be a sign of something more serious. Here are some surprising signs that your hand pain could be something much more serious.
1. Pain That Doesn’t Go Away
If your hand pain persists for more than a few days, it’s important to get it checked out. Pain that doesn’t go away could be a sign of an underlying condition such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or even a tumor.
2. Numbness or Tingling
If you’re experiencing numbness or tingling in your hand, it could be a sign of nerve damage. This could be caused by a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, or even a tumor.
3. Swelling or Redness
If your hand is swollen or red, it could be a sign of an infection or inflammation. This could be caused by an injury, an autoimmune disorder, or even a tumor.
4. Loss of Strength
If you’re experiencing a loss of strength in your hand, it could be a sign of nerve damage or an underlying condition. This could be caused by an injury, an autoimmune disorder, or even a tumor.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of an underlying condition such as cancer. If you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss in addition to hand pain, it’s important to get it checked out.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. Your doctor can help diagnose the cause of your hand pain and recommend the best course of treatment.
If medications stop working, there are surgeries that can help, including sympathectomy, an endoscopic procedure that can improve the flow of blood to fingers.
For patients with hand ischemia caused by a blockage that cannot be bypassed and arterial blood flow that cannot be reconstructed, a procedure called dorsal venous arterialization can be effective. This is a procedure the two doctors perform together, working within the vascular system to provide arterialized blood to ischemic fingers through the unaffected venous system.
This surgery can ease pain and help heal wounds. “When ischemia results in tissue loss, amputations might be necessary, but it is still important that we improve blood flow so that we prevent other fingers from becoming affected,” says Dr. Colen.
To perform the operation, Dr. Colen focuses on the small vessels of the hand, while Dr. Strosberg works inside the blood vessels up higher in the arm. “I don’t necessarily think that each of our skill sets alone is unique. However, our working in conjunction is the hallmark of our program,” Dr. Strosberg says.
