Why do my forearms and the tops of my hands hurt?
6 min read
Asked by: Brad Hamman
Why do my hands and forearms ache?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there’s pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This can cause tingling, numbness and pain, mainly in your hand and fingers. It can also cause similar symptoms in the wrist and forearm. Often the symptoms are worse at night.
What does it mean when the tops of your hands hurt?
Muscle strain/tear — Muscles are found in the palm and top of the hands. These muscles have an increased risk of being strained or torn because people use their hands so frequently. This can lead to pain in the top of the affected hand if the muscles in this area are strained.
Why do the tops of my forearms ache?
muscle strain, often from playing a sport such as tennis or golf. overuse injuries, such as injury from excess computer use. poor posture, such as poor neck posture or your shoulders curving slightly forward, which can compress the nerves in your forearm.
What does it mean when both forearms hurt?
Experiencing pain in both forearms could implicate repetitive strain from overuse, or trauma from an injury. Compressed and damaged nerves, or a wrist sprain can cause aching and sore forearms. Read below for more information on causes and treatment options.
When should I see a doctor for forearm pain?
Arm, shoulder or back pain that comes on suddenly, is unusually severe, or is accompanied by pressure, fullness or squeezing in your chest (this may signal a heart attack) An obvious deformity or protruding bone in your arm or wrist, especially if you have bleeding or other injuries.
How do I stop my forearms from hurting?
These are some prevention tips for forearm pain:
- Use dynamic rest: Avoid activities that engage the elbow and forearm, including hard grip. …
- Ice it: Apply ice to the area for 15 minutes 4 to 6 times a day for the first two days.
- Massage: A massage technique called myofascial release can help relieve symptoms.
What are the first signs of arthritis in your hands?
Symptoms in the fingers
- Pain. Pain is a common early symptom of arthritis in the hands and fingers. …
- Swelling. Joints may swell with overuse. …
- Warm to the touch. Swelling can also cause the joints to feel warm to the touch. …
- Stiffness. …
- Bending of the middle joint. …
- Numbness and tingling. …
- Bumps in the fingers. …
- Weakness.
Can heart problems cause hand pain?
Heart attack
Share on Pinterest A heart attack may cause tingling and numbness in one hand. If a person is experiencing a suspected heart attack, they or someone near them should seek emergency medical help.
What does arthritis feel like in hands?
Pain. Early symptoms of arthritis of the hand include joint pain that may feel “dull,” or a “burning” sensation. The pain often occurs after periods of increased joint use, such as heavy gripping or grasping. The pain may not be present immediately, but may show up hours later or even the following day.
How can I tell if I have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis tends to develop gradually over several years, as the joint cartilage wears away. Eventually the bones of your joints rub against each other. In contrast, the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis can develop and worsen over several weeks or a few months.
What are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis in the hands?
Stage 1 (early or doubtful) Stage 2 (mild or minimal) Stage 3 (moderate) Stage 4 (severe)
How can you tell the difference between carpal tunnel and arthritis?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause weakness, tingling, or numbness in the hand. Arthritis can also cause pain and make it difficult to grasp things, but for completely different reasons. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by nerve compression and arthritis is caused by inflammation and damage to the joint.
How can I check myself for carpal tunnel?
You hold your arms out in front of you and then flex your wrists, letting your hands hang down for about 60 seconds. If you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers within 60 seconds, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
Does carpal tunnel hurt the top of your hand?
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes a tingling feeling or pins and needles, numbness, and sometimes pain in the hand. The symptoms can sometimes be felt in the forearm or further up your arm.
Where does your hand hurt with carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. It happens when there is increased pressure within the wrist on a nerve called the median nerve. This nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and to half of the ring finger.
What are the signs of nerve damage in your hands?
Symptoms of Nerve Injuries of the Hand, Wrist and Elbow
- Loss of sensation in the upper arm, forearm, and/or hand. …
- Loss of function in the upper arm, forearm, and/or hand. …
- Wrist drop or inability to extend the wrist.
- Decreased muscle tone in the upper arm, forearm, and/or hand.
What are the five symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include numbness/tingling/burning/pain, shock-like sensations, pain and tingling, hand weakness and clumsiness, and dropping things. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist.
What happens if carpal tunnel is left untreated?
If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to weakness and lack of coordination in your fingers and thumb. Treatment can relieve pressure on the nerve and, for most people, eliminate their symptoms. The carpal tunnel is a small passageway on the palm side of your wrist.
What is the best medication for carpal tunnel pain?
NSAIDs, which reduce the swelling and wrist pain, are the medication of choice for carpal tunnel syndrome. For most patients, an over-the-counter NSAID, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, is enough to control the pain and discomfort of the condition.
What exercise can I do for carpal tunnel?
Wrist flexor stretch
- Extend your arm in front of you with your palm up.
- Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor.
- With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
- Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
Why is carpal tunnel worse at night?
Usually Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms are worst at night due to tissue fluid in the arms being redistributed when there is no active muscle pump. In other words, we aren’t moving when we try to sleep and increased fluid leads to increased carpal tunnel pressure, causing symptoms to appear.
How do I know if I have carpal tunnel or tendonitis?
Unlike tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) does not affect the tendons. Instead, CTS occurs when the median nerve that runs through your wrist is pinched. This compressed nerve causes numbness or tingling in your thumb, index finger, middle finger, hand, and wrist. Often, people feel symptoms of CTS at night.
What is the fastest way to get rid of carpal tunnel?
Here are nine home remedies for carpal tunnel relief:
- Take breaks from repetitive tasks. …
- Wear splints on your wrists. …
- Lighten up. …
- Mind your flexion. …
- Stay warm. …
- Stretch it out. …
- Elevate your hands and wrists whenever possible. …
- Try over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
