When gripping, typing, or lifting starts to hurt, arthritis might seem like the obvious culprit—but hand pain often stems from other treatable conditions. Without a proper diagnosis, it's easy to overlook the true source of the problem.
Understanding the full range of possible causes of hand pain is the first step toward finding relief and restoring everyday hand function.
Key Takeaways:
- Hand pain is often mistaken for arthritis, but several other possible causes exist.
- Many of these conditions respond well to non-surgical treatments.
- A thorough evaluation at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians can help identify the true source of pain.
Why Not All Hand Pain Is Arthritis
As people age or use their hands for work or hobbies, a common misconception is that hand pain must be arthritis. But different conditions can produce similar symptoms, including swelling, stiffness, weakness, numbness, or clicking sensations.
Some issues affect joints, while others involve nerves, tendons, ligaments, or soft tissues. Because hand structures are tightly interconnected, pain can overlap in ways that are easily misinterpreted.
A thorough evaluation ensures the true cause is identified early, allowing the most effective non-surgical treatment plan to begin.
Possible Cause #1: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common non-arthritis causes of hand pain. It happens when the median nerve that runs through the wrist becomes compressed while traveling through a tight tunnel.
Carpal tunnel symptoms include:
During an evaluation at Desert Spine and Sport Physicians, physiatrists conduct a detailed physical exam and may use electrodiagnostic testing. Non-surgical treatment can include splinting, activity modification, pain-relieving injections, or a referral to hand therapy.
Possible Cause #2: Tendonitis or Tendinosis
Tendonitis and tendinosis are other frequent sources of hand and wrist pain. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two different issues:
- Tendonitis: An acute inflammation of the tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
- Tendinosis: A chronic degeneration of the tendon, resulting from long-term stress without adequate healing time.
Both conditions can cause pain during gripping, lifting, and twisting movements. Patients may also notice sharp pain in the wrist, tenderness, decreased strength, or swelling.
Treatments such as activity modification, ultrasound-guided injections, and rehabilitative strategies can ease symptoms without surgery. Certain regenerative medicine injections, such as platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), may also encourage healing.
Possible Cause #3: Trigger Finger
Trigger finger occurs when the pulley that guides a finger tendon becomes inflamed or narrowed. This causes the finger to catch or “lock” during bending and straightening.
The following symptoms are common with trigger finger:
- A clicking or snapping sensation
- Pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
- Difficulty fully straightening the affected finger
Fortunately, trigger finger typically responds well to splinting, activity modification, and ultrasound-guided steroid injections.
Possible Cause #4: Nerve Entrapments and Neuropathy
Nerves in the wrist, forearm, or elbow can become compressed, which can also cause hand pain or dysfunction. Examples of this include ulnar nerve entrapment or radial tunnel syndrome, which can be caused by repetitive motion, trauma, or anatomical narrowing of nerve pathways.
Patients with nerve compression in the hand usually experience:
- Numbness or tingling in specific fingers
- Burning pain
- Weakness or clumsiness
Electrodiagnostic testing can help identify the location and severity of the condition, ensuring that treatment targets the affected area.
Possible Cause #5: Overuse Injuries and Repetitive Strain
What causes hand pain without injury? Sometimes, discomfort is due to chronic overuse or strain from:
These patterns can lead to myofascial pain syndrome or general inflammation. Non-surgical approaches include physical or occupational therapy, ergonomic modification, posture correction, and stretching programs to reduce repetitive stress.
Get Answers About Your Hand Pain At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians
When hand pain makes daily tasks more difficult, it’s essential to determine the underlying cause rather than assuming it's arthritis. The board-certified, fellowship-trained physiatrists at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians specialize in conducting comprehensive evaluations to determine the cause of your pain.
If you’re experiencing unexplained hand pain, request an appointment today. Desert Spine and Sports Physicians can help you find answers and develop a tailored treatment plan grounded in regenerative medicine and evidence-based, non-surgical care.
November 21, 2025
