Inflammation of the Hand

Inflammation of the hand can occur for several reasons. Typical symptoms of inflammation of the hand are local swelling, reddened skin and pressure pain. An inflammation (mild inflammatory response) is a normal natural response when soft tissues, muscles or tendons become irritated or damaged. When tissue is damaged or irritated, the body will try and increase blood circulation to the area - this leads to pain, local swelling, heat development, reddish skin and pressure soreness.

The swelling in the area can also lead to a nerve compression, which we can see, among other things, by squeezing the median nerve in the elbow or wrist area (eg by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). These symptoms will vary in intensity depending on the damage or irritation in the tissue. It is important to distinguish between inflammation (inflammation) and infection (bacterial or viral infection).

- Often tendon injuries are also incorrectly called Inflammation

We otherwise want to emphasize that the vast majority of 'inflammations' are not necessarily inflammation, but rather muscle or tendon dysfunction / injury. Please take contact us on our Facebook page if you have any questions or comments.

TIP: Very many with pain in the hands and fingers like to use specially adapted compression gloves (link opens in new window) for improved function in hands and fingers. These are especially common among rheumatologists and those who suffer from chronic carpal tunnel syndrome. Possibly there is also toe pullers og specially adapted compression socks if you are bothered by stiff and sore toes - possibly hallux valgus (inverted big toe).

Causes of inflammation in the hand

As mentioned, inflammation or inflammation is a natural response from the immune system to repair an injury or irritation. This may occur due to overuse (without sufficient stability muscle to perform the task) or due to minor injuries. Here are some diagnoses that can cause inflammation or inflammation in the hand:

• Arthritis (Arthritis)
• Osteoarthritis (the pain depends on which joints are affected)
• The Quervains tenosynovite
• Karpaltunnelsyndrom
• Radial bursitis (hand mucosal inflammation)
• rheumatism (the pain depends on which joints are affected)
• Ulnar bursitis (wrist mucosal inflammation)

Who is affected by inflammation in the hand?

Absolutely everyone can be affected by an inflammation in the hand - as long as the activity or load exceeds what the soft tissue or muscles can withstand. Those who increase their training too quickly, especially in weight training, weightlifting and especially those with a high repetitive load on relevant joints and muscles are most exposed - especially if the majority of the load is in the highest layer. Too weak support muscles (forearm, upper arm and shoulder muscles, among others) in combination with repetitive loads at work or in everyday life can also be a contributing factor to the development of an inflammatory reaction in the hand.

Inflammation of the hand can be very troublesome and can cause pain and problems in nearby structures as well. If an inflammation occurs then keep in mind that in most cases it is self-inflicted (a lot of repetitive work with a lack of supportive muscle training, for example), and that you are smart to listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If you do not listen to the pain signals then the condition or structure can be chronically damaged. Our advice is to seek active treatment (eg chiropractor, physiotherapist or manual therapist) for the problem.

Symptoms of inflammation in the hand

Pain and symptoms will depend on the extent to which the hand has an inflammatory reaction. We remind you again that an inflammation and an infection are two completely different things - if you get a severe inflammatory reaction with heat development, fever and pus in the area, then you have an infection, but we will go into more detail in another article. Typical symptoms of inflammation include:

• Local swelling
• Reddish, irritated skin
• Painful when pressed / touched

Diagnosis of inflammation of the hand

A clinical examination will be based on a history / anamnesis and an examination. This will show reduced movement in the affected area and local pressure soreness. You will not normally need further imaging - but in certain cases it may be relevant with imaging to check if an injury is the cause of the swelling or possibly also blood tests.

Diagnostic examination of inflammation in the hand (X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound)

An X-ray can rule out any fracture damage in the hand. One MRI examination can show if there is any damage to tendons or structures in the area. Ultrasound can examine whether there is tendon damage - it can also see if there is fluid accumulation in the area.

Treatment of inflammation of the hand

The main purpose of treating inflammation in the hand is to remove any cause of the inflammation and then let the hand heal itself. As mentioned earlier, an inflammation is a completely natural repair process where the body increases blood circulation to the area to ensure faster healing - unfortunately it is the case that sometimes the body can do a slightly excessive job and it may then be necessary with icing, anti- inflammatory laser and possible use of anti-inflammatory drugs (we remind you that overuse of NSAIDS can lead to reduced repair in the area).

Cold treatment and heat packs can provide pain relief for sore joints and muscles, also in the hand. One should always try conservative treatment for a long time before resorting to invasive procedures (surgery and surgery), but in some cases this is the only way out. Direct conservative measures can be:

• Physical therapy (treatment of nearby muscles can provide pain relief and increased blood circulation)
• Rest (take a break from what caused the injury)
• Sports casting / gymnastics
• Exercises and stretching (see exercises further down in the article)

Recommended Self-Help for Rheumatic and Chronic Pain

• Compression Noise (such as compression socks that contribute to increased blood circulation to sore muscles or specially adapted compression gloves against rheumatic symptoms in the hands)

Click on the image to read more about compression gloves.

• Toe pullers (can help maintain space between the toes - and prevent bent toes)
• Mini tapes (many with rheumatic and chronic pain feel that it is easier to train with custom elastics)
• Trigger point Balls (self-help to work the muscles on a daily basis)
• Arnica cream or heat conditioner (many people report some pain relief if they use, for example, arnica cream or heat conditioner)

- Many people use arnica cream for pain due to stiff joints and sore muscles. Click on the image above to read more about how arnica cream can help relieve some of your pain situation.

Exercises for inflammation in the hand

One should try to cut out too much repetitive work if one is afflicted with inflammation in the hand - at least until the worst has been healed. Replace the heaviest strength training with swimming, elliptical machine or exercise bike. Also make sure that you stretch your wrists, forearms and shoulders, as well as train the shoulder blades as shown in this article. We also recommend that you try these quietly the carpal tunnel exercises.

Related article: - Is it tendonitis or tendon INJURY?

NEXT PAGE: - Sore hand? You should know this!

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Questions about inflammation in the hand:

Question: Male, mason from Oslo, 55 years old. Inflammation in the left hand I think, but how can I tell if I have a hand inflammation / inflammation in the hand? Could it have been appropriate to go to a chiropractor in Oslo with this eg. (I live in the center of Oslo)?

In most cases, pain from joints and muscles is misinterpreted as 'inflammation'. This is a simplification of the problem which shifts the responsibility away from the person affected - and which suggests that it is not that person's fault. This is normally not the case - and most people have probably overloaded beyond ability (eg overloaded the area without sufficient support muscles) or done other things before they get such a pain presentation. The fact is that it is usually due to too little stability muscles, often in combination with stiff and dysfunctional joints. A public health authorized clinician (chiropractor, physiotherapist or manual therapist) will be able to help you diagnose and treat your ailment. If you want a recommendation for a chiropractor in Oslo or more specifically Oslo city center, we are happy to help you with that - get in touch via social media.

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