Many people all over the world experience some form of hand pain daily. While hand pain is certainly a nuisance to deal with, it can also be detrimental to our daily lives depending on the significance of the pain. Of course, if you are experiencing these symptoms you should discuss them with your doctor. However, sometimes that is not always an immediate option. Here are some ways you can alleviate any hand pain you are experiencing at home.
Anti-Inflammatory Medicine
An easy and effective way to reduce pain quickly is by taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory medicine. Before you do this, it’s very important to be sure there is no medical contraindication in your personal medical history. A great example of an over the counter anti-inflammatory is Naproxen Sodium. If you are not sure which medicine is right for you, simply consult the pharmacist for recommendations.
Wrist Splints
The purpose of a splint is to stabilize the position of your hand and wrist. These can be useful for many different types of hand pain including carpal tunnel and arthritis symptoms. Because these symptoms can often times be sporadic, using a wrist splint to ease the stress on your joints may prove to be a viable solution for minor symptoms, especially at night while you sleep. If the pain you are experiencing resides at the base of the thumb, then search for an over the counter thumb splint instead.
Paraffin Wax
People have been using heat and cold to promote healing for years, so it makes sense for it to tie in with hand pain as well. Consider using a paraffin wax for heating on your wrist to reduce pain. The wax will conform to the exact shape of your hand which allows the heat to target the entire hand, including hard to reach areas. Another, easier option would be to use a heating pad for this same reason, though it will be a bit more difficult to target specific areas not easily reached.
Massage Therapy
Another alternative approach to healing hand pain at home is massage therapy. This includes hand and/or wrist exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and ultimately reduce pain and stress on your joints. Typically this is performed by physical therapists or occupational therapists who are specifically trained in helping with these kinds of pains.
Dr. Arnold Peter Weiss is the R. Scot Sellers Scholar of Hand Surgery; Chief of Hand Surgery; Vice Chairman & Professor, Brown University.