Common Hand Conditions: Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Treatment & Exercises
- Ben Proctor
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
INTRODUCTION
Hand pain, stiffness, tingling, or lumps can affect everyday tasks like gripping, typing, or lifting. This guide is designed as a comprehensive, clinician-informed resource explaining common hand conditions, their signs, causes, treatment options, and evidence‑based exercises.
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TRIGGER FINGER (STENOSING TENOSYNOVITIS)
What it is:
A tendon becomes irritated and swollen, preventing smooth gliding through its sheath.
Symptoms:
• Finger locking or catching
• Clicking sensation
• Morning stiffness
• Tender lump at base of finger
Causes:
• Repetitive gripping
• Diabetes
• Inflammatory conditions
Management:
• Activity modification
• Splinting
• Anti‑inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroid injection
• Surgery if severe
Exercises:
Tendon glides — open hand → hook fist → full fist → straight hand
5–10 reps, 2–3× daily
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DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE
What it is:
Thickened fibrous tissue develops in the palm forming cords that can pull fingers down.
Symptoms:
• Firm nodules in palm
• Thick cords
• Gradual finger bending
• Usually painless
Risk factors:
• Genetics
• Male sex
• Age >50
Early nodules without contracture are common and often remain stable for years.
Management:
• Monitor changes
• Avoid aggressive stretching
• Injection or surgery if contracture develops
Seek care if finger cannot lie flat on a table.
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THUMB OSTEOARTHRITIS
What it is:
Degeneration of cartilage at thumb base joint.
Symptoms:
• Pain gripping or pinching
• Weakness opening jars
• Stiffness
• Swelling at thumb base
Management:
• Warm water soak 5–10 minutes
• Thumb splint
• Activity pacing
• Topical anti‑inflammatory gel
Exercises:
• Thumb circles
• Thumb to fingertip taps
• Light pinch holds
Little and often is better than intense sessions.
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CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
What it is:
Compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
Symptoms:
• Tingling in thumb, index, middle finger
• Night pain
• Weak grip
• Dropping objects
Risk factors:
• Repetitive wrist activity
• Pregnancy/fluid retention
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
Treatment:
• Night splint
• Ergonomic changes
• Steroid injection
• Surgery if severe
Evidence‑based exercises:
Median nerve glides:
1. Wrist neutral, fingers straight
2. Extend wrist
3. Gently stretch thumb back
4. Slowly straighten elbow
Hold 3–5 seconds × 5 reps.
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PALMAR NODULES / TENDON THICKENING
Possible causes:
• Early Dupuytren’s
• Benign fibrous nodules
• Tendon sheath thickening
• Microtrauma scarring
Most are harmless and never progress.
Monitor for:
• Rapid growth
• Pain
• Movement restriction
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HAND TENDONITIS (COMPREHENSIVE SECTION)
What it is:
Inflammation or overload of hand or wrist tendons due to excessive strain, repetitive movement, or sudden load increase.
Common types:
• Flexor tendonitis
• Extensor tendonitis
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Symptoms:
• Aching pain with movement
• Tenderness along tendon
• Mild swelling
• Weakness
• Pain worse after activity
Causes:
• Sudden increase in activity
• Repetitive gripping or typing
• Poor ergonomics
• Sports load spikes
• Muscle imbalance
Evidence‑Based Management Strategy (Gold Standard Approach):
Phase 1 – Calm irritation
• Relative rest (not full immobilisation)
• Ice for flare‑ups
• Activity modification
• Support taping or splint if needed
Phase 2 – Restore movement
• Gentle pain‑free range of motion
• Soft tissue massage
• Warm water soaks
Phase 3 – Strengthen tendon
Progressive loading is the MOST important step for tendon recovery.
Start with:
Isometrics — hold gentle contraction 5–10 sec × 5 reps
Then:
Light resistance exercises
Gradually increase load weekly
Phase 4 – Return to full function
• Task‑specific loading
• Grip strength work
• Functional tasks
Key rehab principle:
Tendons heal best when loaded gradually, not rested completely.
Avoid:
• Sudden return to heavy activity
• Aggressive stretching early
• Training through sharp pain
Recovery timeline:
• Mild: 2–4 weeks
• Moderate: 6–10 weeks
• Chronic: 3–6 months
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OTHER COMMON HAND CONDITIONS
De Quervain’s:
Pain thumb‑side wrist with lifting or twisting.
Ganglion cyst:
Fluid‑filled lump near joint or tendon.
Finger joint arthritis:
Knobbly joints, stiffness after rest.
Overuse strain:
General ache improving with pacing and strengthening.
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WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
Seek help if:
• Persistent numbness
• Severe night pain
• Finger locking
• Rapid swelling
• Sudden weakness
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DAILY HAND CARE ROUTINE
Morning:
Warm water soak + tendon glides
Day:
Movement breaks every 30–60 minutes
Evening:
Stretch fingers and massage palm
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RESOURCES (UK‑BASED SUPPORT)
🔗 Hand Conditions Resources & Support Links
🖐 General Hand & Wrist Conditions (Trusted Starting Points)
NHS‑reviewed hand & wrist resource hub — clinically reviewed leaflets and condition-specific info for common hand problems.
NHS hand pain guidance — advice on work, sport, recovery timelines, and when to seek help.
🤏 Trigger Finger
Trigger Finger patient leaflet — symptoms, causes, and exercises.
NHS hand pain page (trigger finger section) — management advice including heat and injections.
✋ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel NHS leaflet — overview, causes, symptoms and exercises.
Sussex MSK Carpal Tunnel support page — links to exercise sheets and further support.
👍 Thumb Osteoarthritis
NHS thumb OA exercise programme — daily exercises to maintain grip and mobility.
Occupational therapy thumb exercise sheets — progressive exercise levels.
✊ Dupuytren’s Contracture
NHS hand physiotherapy condition library — includes downloadable Dupuytren’s information.
🤲 Hand Arthritis & Strengthening
SARAH hand strengthening programme (Part 1) — structured strengthening exercises.
SARAH hand strengthening programme (Part 2) — progression exercises and repetition guidance.
🎥 Video Demonstrations (Highly Recommended)
Hand therapy exercise video library — exercises for many hand conditions including tendon repair, arthritis and wrist stability.
Hand centre multimedia resources — animations for trigger finger, ganglion cysts and arthritis.
📘 Comprehensive Educational Guide
Hand & Wrist Pain information booklet — detailed booklet with anatomy, exercises, treatment options and support resources.
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