Avoid leaving your hand in the ice bath for longer than 15 minutes, or leaving an ice pack on your hand for more than 20 minutes, as this can mess up the circulation in your hand.
Heat compresses work well for arthritis. Try soothing your hands when you’re washing the dishes, flexing your hands and fingers under the hot water to help reduce any pain. Use warm water with a temperature between 92–100 °F (33–38 °C).
For example, you might use Bengay pain relieving cream or Aspercreme, which have an active ingredient of methyl salicylate to relieve pain. [4] X Research source You can find pain-relieving hand creams in big box stores, drugstores, and online.
Wearing a splint overnight can prevent your pain from worsening. Expect to wear your splint for at least 4-8 weeks before you’ll notice improvement. Avoid wearing a hand splint or brace all the time, as this can make your muscles weaker by not being used as often. Using a splint can also help wrist pain that’s caused by radiating pain from tennis or golfer’s elbow. Visit your local drugstore or big box store to find a hand splint in the right size, or ask your doctor to give you one.
Avoid taking pain relievers too often for your hand pain, and instead only take medication when the pain is preventing you from doing things. For adults, a typical ibuprofen dose is 400 milligrams (0. 014 oz), while a typical dose of aspirin is 350 milligrams (0. 012 oz). [8] X Research source
If you have pain in your wrist near the base of your thumb, it’s especially important to see your doctor. You may have a scaphoid bone fracture. Your doctor will do an X-ray to find out if your hand is broken. If it is, they may give you a splint or thumb spica cast.
Call to schedule an appointment to meet with your doctor. The doctor may take an X-ray of your hand or do basic hand exercises to see what’s wrong. An orthopedic physician is also someone you might see instead of your regular physician.
Know that the injections may only temporarily relieve the pain. Typically, the effects of the steroid injections will last 1-2 weeks up to a few months. Don’t get steroid injections too often, as they can affect your joints or tendons with repeated use. Talk to your doctor about how often you should get steroid injections. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The MRI will show if you have ligamentous damage. It’s best to use surgery as a last option when it comes to relieving your hand pain, as it’s the most invasive. The exact type of surgery right for you will depend on your specific hand pain. Consider getting several different doctor’s opinions before committing to surgery.
Check in with your doctor to see if they think occupational therapy would help your hand pain. They may also be able to refer you to an occupational therapist that they think would be a good fit.
Twist with both hands at the same time. Do 10 stretches in the same direction, then reverse directions and do 10 more.
Avoid creating too tight of a fist by squeezing your fingers, as this isn’t a necessary part of the stretch and could increase your hand pain. An alternative to this exercise is to gently squeeze a stress ball. [18] X Research source
Do each shape 3-4 times for each hand.
Try to lift each finger 2-3 times per hand.
If your thumb can’t reach your palm completely, just stretch it inwards as far as it will comfortably go.
Doing repetitive movements using your hands is what often contributes to hand pain, so try to do different activities throughout the day to prevent your hands from becoming stiff or sore.
