Palm Pain – Healthnile.com

Pain in the palm of the hand can make simple tasks like gripping, typing, or lifting objects uncomfortable. The most common causes include overuse injuries, nerve compression, arthritis, and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Sometimes, direct injury causes pain, while in other cases it develops slowly from repetitive strain or underlying health issues.

Palm pain may stem from tendons, nerves, or joints in the hand, and each cause brings different symptoms. Recognizing these differences helps determine when to manage the problem at home and when to seek professional care.

Definition of Symptom

Pain in the palm of the hand refers to discomfort mainly felt on the inner surface of the hand. It can range from a dull ache to sharp or burning pain. The symptom may appear suddenly after an injury or develop gradually due to repetitive strain.

This pain can involve different structures, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, or joints. Because the palm is used in nearly all daily activities, even mild pain can affect grip strength and hand function. Common causes include:

Injury or trauma (bruises, cuts, fractures).
Repetitive strain from typing, gripping tools, or sports.
Nerve compression such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Inflammation from arthritis or tendinitis.
Underlying conditions like diabetes-related nerve pain.

In some cases, palm pain feels isolated, while in others it spreads to the wrist or fingers. Symptoms can also include swelling, stiffness, tingling, or numbness depending on the cause. A simple way to view the symptom is:

Possible Source	Example Condition	Typical Sensation
Muscle/Tendon	Tendinitis	Aching, worse with movement
Nerve	Carpal tunnel	Tingling, burning, numbness
Joint	Arthritis	Stiffness, swelling, aching
Skin/Tissue	Injury or cut	Sharp, localized pain

Possible Causes/Diseases Condition

Many sources can cause pain in the palm of the hand. Some causes are short-term, such as injuries, while others are linked to long-term conditions like arthritis or nerve problems.

Common Causes

Injuries: A broken hand or hand fracture leads to sharp palm pain, swelling, and bruising.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Repeated hand movements, such as typing or gripping tools, irritate muscles and tendons.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pressure on the median nerve in the wrist often causes palm pain, tingling, or numbness.

Joint and Tendon Conditions

Trigger Finger: Tendon inflammation causes a finger to lock or catch when bending.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: This affects tendons near the thumb and causes pain that spreads into the palm.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases that inflame joints and may affect the palm.

Other factors

Autoimmune diseases can damage joint tissues and cause chronic palm pain.
Nerve compression or irritation may also lead to discomfort in the palm and fingers.

Cause	Typical Signs
Hand fracture	Swelling, bruising, sharp pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome	Numbness, tingling, palm pain
Trigger finger	Finger locking or stiffness
Osteoarthritis	Stiffness, aching joints
Rheumatoid arthritis	Swelling, warmth, pain
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis	Thumb-side wrist/palm pain
Repetitive strain injury	Aching after repeated use

Other Non-Disease Causes

Not all palm pain comes from medical conditions. Everyday habits and activities can also lead to discomfort in the hand. These causes are often temporary and improve with rest or small changes.

Repetitive movements such as typing, gripping tools, or using smartphones strain the small muscles and tendons in the palm. This type of overuse may also extend discomfort into the wrist or even cause mild arm pain.
Injuries without disease are another common factor. A simple bruise, minor cut, or strain from lifting objects causes soreness in the palm.
Poor ergonomics during work or daily tasks puts pressure on the palm. Using a mouse for long periods, holding a steering wheel tightly, or carrying heavy bags irritates the hand.
Skin irritation can also play a role. Dryness, small cracks, or flare-ups of conditions like psoriasis may cause pain or tenderness in the palm.

Below is a quick look at some non-disease causes and common responses:

Cause	Example Activity	Helpful Step
Repetitive strain	Typing, texting	Rest, short breaks
Minor injury	Bruise, small cut	Ice, gentle care
Poor ergonomics	Long computer use	Adjust posture, support
Skin irritation	Psoriasis, dryness	Moisturize, protect

How It Causes the Symptom

Nerves, joints, or soft tissues in the hand can become irritated or damaged and cause pain in the palm. The median nerve, which runs through the wrist, can get compressed in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure leads to pain, tingling, or numbness that spreads into the palm.

Sprains, fractures, or repetitive strain can also trigger palm pain. Swelling or irritation from these problems affects nearby tissues and limits normal hand movement. Arthritis in the small joints of the hand creates stiffness and aching in the palm. When cartilage breaks down, bones rub together and cause pain and sometimes swelling.

Possible Complications

Untreated palm pain can sometimes lead to muscle weakness. This makes it harder to grip objects or perform daily tasks. Weakness often develops when nerves or tendons are affected for a long period. Some people notice loss of sensation in parts of the palm or fingers. Nerve compression or damage can reduce normal feeling in the hand. Numbness increases the risk of accidental cuts or burns since pain signals may not be felt.

Joint pain in the hand can also become a complication, especially if arthritis or long-term irritation is present. Stiffness in the joints may limit movement and reduce hand strength. Over time, this can interfere with activities such as writing or lifting. Other possible issues include:

Chronic swelling that makes the hand feel tight or sore.
Reduced flexibility in the fingers or palm.
Difficulty performing fine motor tasks such as buttoning clothes.

In some cases, untreated palm pain can lead to lasting nerve damage.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Hand pain often improves with rest, but some cases need medical care. See a doctor if pain does not get better after a few days of self-care. Seek medical attention if:

Pain is severe or sudden.
Swelling, redness, or warmth develops.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness occurs.
The pain follows an injury such as a fall or direct blow.
Daily activities like gripping or writing become difficult.

Persistent pain in the palm can signal problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or tendon issues. If pain comes with fever, open wounds, or spreading redness, you could have an infection. In these cases, get medical help quickly.

A simple way to decide is to ask: Does the pain interfere with normal use of the hand? If yes, see a doctor.

Examples of Urgent Signs

Symptom	Possible Concern
Numbness or tingling	Nerve compression
Swelling with heat	Infection or inflammation
Sudden sharp pain	Injury or fracture
Ongoing stiffness	Arthritis or tendon issue