Pain in the hand and fingers

The hand is an important body part with which we can perform both simple and very complex tasks. Because we use the hand and fingers all day long, pain in this body region in particular can result in a lot of extra limitations in daily activities.

Anatomy

There are many different structures in the hand. Bones, tendons, capsules, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels and nerves play an important role in the proper functioning of the hand. A problem in one or more of these structures can lead to unpleasant symptoms and injuries. 

Bones and joints
The palm of the hand consists of five metacarpal bones, in Latin called the 'ossa metacarpalia'. The ossa metacarpalia form the connection between the carpal bones of the wrist and the bones of the fingers. The fingers (also called phalanges) consist of finger bones. The proximal, middle and distal phalanges are called the phalanx proximalis, phalanx media and phalanx distalis respectively.

The thumb has no middle phalanx (phalanx media). The joints between the phalanges are called the PIP, DIP and MCP joints. Because these are hinge joints, they can normally only extend and flex. The thumb has characteristics of a saddle joint, which allows it to move in multiple directions. 

Muscles and tendons
A complex system of muscles and tendons ensures that movement is possible in the joints of the hand and fingers. There are no muscles in the fingers themselves. The muscles that move the fingers are located in the rest of the hand and the forearm. Via tendons, the muscles pull on the bones of the fingers so that they can move.

Tendon sheaths
To allow the tendons to glide well along and over each other, the tendons run through tendon sheaths in different places. These are very smooth, fluid-filled tubes that protect the tendon from friction and pressure forces.

Capsules and ligaments
The passive stability is ensured by capsules and ligaments. These are tough structures that prevent incorrect movements from occurring in a joint, which could, for example, cause the joint to 'dislocate'.

Nerves and blood vessels
Nerves have many functions. Among other things, they transmit signals that allow muscles to know they should contract. In addition, pain sensations are sent by the nerves to the head so that we can perceive pain. Blood vessels ensure proper blood flow to the body tissues. Tingling, a prickling sensation, weakness, loss of sensation, warm or cold hands may indicate a problem with the nerves and/or blood vessels of the hand.

Check your symptoms

Would you like to know which conditions could explain the pain in your hand or fingers? Then we advise you to start by going through the physiotherapy check. First point out where you have pain and then answer a number of questions about your symptoms.

When you have completed the physiotherapy check, your symptoms are compared with the most common conditions in physiotherapy. You can then, if you wish, contact an affiliated physiotherapy practice for professional help.

Conditions of the hand and fingers

Below is an overview of conditions that can cause pain in the hand and fingers. Each article provides extensive information about the symptoms, the cause and any treatment. When you do the online physiotherapy check for your hand symptoms, your symptoms are compared with all these conditions.