How to diagnose
and treat hand pain

How do clinicians diagnose hand pain?

Hand pain can show up in many ways. You might notice stiffness when you wake up, tingling at night, trouble gripping a jar, or a finger that catches when you bend it. Clinicians start by listening to your story. They ask when the pain began, what movements make it worse, whether any fingers feel numb, and how the symptoms affect your daily tasks like typing or cooking.

A physical exam is the main part of diagnosis. A clinician will look at where the pain is, how your fingers and wrist move, and whether gripping or pinching brings on symptoms. They may check for swelling, warmth, or locking of a finger, which helps them tell the difference between tendon problems, nerve irritation, arthritis (cartilage and bone wear), or rarer issues like infection.

Special tests may be used when needed. For example, certain wrist positions can provoke symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on a nerve in your wrist thatt causes tingling, numbness and pain), although these tests are only moderately accurate on their own and are usually combined with your symptom history[1]. If there is concern for arthritis, a long-standing injury, or another structural change, simple X-rays are usually the first choice because they give helpful information without unnecessary testing[2]. Nerve studies may be recommended if carpal tunnel symptoms are persistent, unusual, or before considering surgery³.

Most diagnoses can be made without advanced imaging. What matters most is the pattern of symptoms, how your hand functions day-to-day, and how symptoms respond to early care.

Clinical insight

Guidelines highlight that many common hand conditions, including mild carpal tunnel syndrome and thumb arthritis, improve with early activity, splinting, and guided exercise. Because of this, clinicians often begin treatment based on symptoms and exam findings before ordering exams such as x-rays. Evidence shows that provocative tests for carpal tunnel syndrome are only moderately accurate on their own, which is why a combined approach using history and, when needed, nerve studies gives a clearer diagnosis¹.

What are the treatment options for hand pain?

Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms, but most people start with simple, non-invasive options. Care usually begins with education, activity changes, and exercise to restore movement and strength.

Common treatment paths include:

1. Education and activity changes: Small adjustments can reduce irritation. This may include taking short breaks from gripping, avoiding long periods of pinch or twist movements, or using tools with larger handles. These strategies help reduce strain on irritated tendons, nerves, and joints⁴.

2. Exercise-based rehabilitation: Targeted exercises can improve strength, coordination, and mobility. For hand arthritis, therapy that includes stretching, strengthening of the thumb muscles, and joint protection techniques can reduce pain and improve daily function⁴. For carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve and gentle movement exercises may provide short-term relief, although results vary between people⁵.

3. Splints and supports: Night splints help keep the wrist in a comfortable position and are recommended for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome⁶. For thumb arthritis, a thumb brace can reduce pain during gripping or pinching. A thumb brace can also help calm tendon irritation in de Quervain’s.

4. Medications: Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often recommended for hand arthritis. Oral NSAIDs may help during flare-ups if safe for you⁴.

5. Injections: Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term relief for conditions like trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, or de Quervain’s⁷. Some people need more than one injection, but not everyone responds the same way.

6. Surgery: Surgery is usually reserved for symptoms that continue despite months of conservative care. Common procedures include releasing the carpal tunnel nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome, releasing a stuck tendon in trigger finger, or removing a painful bone at the thumb base in severe arthritis. Surgery is not the first step for most people.

Recovery looks different for everyone. Some people feel better within a few weeks, while others, especially those with arthritis, improve more slowly. With steady care, many people regain comfort and confidence using their hands.

Sword's approach

Sword Health helps people manage pain and movement issues with expert-guided AI care you can use from home. Our model combines clinical support with modern technology, designed to work around your life.

Sword makes recovery easier and more accessible. You get high-quality care at home, guided by clinicians and supported by smart technology.

• Care that adapts to your progress in real time
• Licensed experts guiding every step
• Simple, non-invasive, evidence-based programs
• Proven results for pain relief, movement, and satisfaction

How can I find pain relief for hand pain?

You can start with simple steps at home. Gentle movement helps keep your fingers and wrist from getting stiff. Short breaks during typing, cooking, or tool use can prevent irritation. Using both hands for heavier tasks can help reduce strain.

Warm water or a heating pad can ease stiffness, especially in the morning. During a flare-up, doing a little less gripping or pinching for a day or two can settle things without losing progress. If your pain is linked to posture or repetitive tasks, adjusting your workstation, tool grip, or the height of your keyboard may help.

If numbness, locking, or weakness continues, talk to a clinician. Guided rehab is often the most helpful step because it teaches you how to load the hand safely, rebuild strength, and prevent recurring pain⁴.