Hand and finger pain

The hand is an important body part with which we can perform both simple and very complex actions. Because we use the hand and fingers throughout the day, pain in this region can cause extra limitations in daily activities.

Anatomy

The hand contains many different structures. Bones, tendons, joint capsules, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves play an important role in the proper functioning of the hand. A problem with one or more of these structures can lead to troublesome symptoms and injuries. 

Bones and joints
The mid-hand consists of five metacarpal bones, called the 'ossa metacarpalia'. The ossa metacarpalia form the connection between the carpal bones of the wrist and the bones of the fingers. The fingers (also called phalanges) consist of finger bones. The proximal, middle, and distal finger bones are called the phalanx proximalis, phalanx medialis, and phalanx distalis, respectively.

The thumb has no middle phalanx (phalanx medialis). The joints between the phalanges are called the PIP, DIP, and MCP joints. Because these are hinge joints, they normally can only extend and flex. The thumb has features of a saddle joint, which allows it to move in multiple directions. 

Muscles and tendons
A complex system of muscles and tendons enables movement in the joints of the hand and fingers. There are no muscles in the fingers themselves. The muscles that move the fingers are located in the rest of the hand and the forearm. Via tendons, the muscles pull on the bones of the fingers so they can move.

Tendon sheaths
To allow the tendons to glide well along and over each other, the tendons pass through tendon sheaths at various points. These are very smooth, fluid-filled tubes that protect the tendon from friction and pressure.

Capsules and ligaments
Passive stability is ensured by joint capsules and ligaments. These are stiff structures that prevent incorrect movements in a joint that could, for example, cause a joint to dislocate.

Nerves and blood vessels
Nerves have many functions. They conduct signals that tell muscles to contract. In addition, pain sensations are sent by the nerves to the brain so we can perceive pain. Blood vessels ensure proper blood flow to body tissues. Tingling, a pins-and-needles feeling, loss of strength, loss of sensation, warm or cold hands may indicate a problem with the nerves and/or blood vessels of the hand.

Check your symptoms

Do you want to know which conditions could explain the pain in your hand or fingers? Then we advise you to start by going through the physical therapy check. First, point out where you have pain and then answer a number of questions about your symptoms.

When you have completed the physical therapy check, your symptoms are compared with the most common conditions within physical therapy. If you wish, you can visit an affiliated physical therapy practice for professional help.

Conditions of the hand and fingers

Below is an overview of conditions that can cause pain in the hand and fingers. Each article provides extensive information about the symptoms, the cause, and possible treatment. When you take the online physical therapy check for your hand symptoms, your symptoms are compared with all these conditions.