Hand pain doesn’t always come from a single injury. In many cases, it builds little by little—brought on by everyday habits that gradually strain the joints, tendons, and nerves of the hand and wrist. If you’ve been noticing stiffness, aching, or tingling in your hands, here are five common behaviors that could be contributing to your discomfort.
1. Typing or Texting Without Breaks
Long hours at a keyboard or on a smartphone place repetitive stress on the small joints in the fingers and the tendons in the wrist. Over time, this can contribute to conditions like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Taking breaks and using proper ergonomics can help reduce your risk of developing repetitive stress injuries or strains.
2. Gripping Tools Too Tightly
Whether you’re using a hammer, gardening shovel, or a kitchen knife, gripping hand tools too hard or for too long can overwork your flexor tendons. This can lead to strained tendons, tendonitis, and trigger finger. Adjusting your form and remembering to take breaks can help significantly in preventing problems down the road.
3. Sleeping with Bent Wrists or Elbows
Some people unknowingly sleep with their wrists or elbows in flexed positions, which can compress the nerves and lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands—common signs of carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome. Wearing a brace at night can help by preventing unusual positions during sleep, thereby reducing pressure on the nerves.
4. Carrying Heavy Bags by the Handles
Holding heavy shopping bags, briefcases, or gym bags by thin handles concentrates pressure on the fingers and wrists. This can irritate the joints and put excessive pressure on small nerves in the hand and wrist. Where possible, it’s better to carry heavy bags by the base so that the weight is more evenly distributed.
5. Repetitive Motions at Work or the Gym
Occupations or workouts that involve repeated motions—like lifting, pushing, or pulling—can cause wear and tear in the wrist and hand structures over time. It’s critical to watch your form, take breaks when appropriate, and keep an eye out for signs of strain before they become serious.
How Dr. Fort Can Help
At Fort Orthopedic Hand Center, Dr. Nicholas Fort specializes in diagnosing and treating hand, wrist, and elbow conditions caused by repetitive strain and overuse. Whether you’re dealing with tendonitis, nerve compression, trigger finger, or early arthritis, he offers a wide range of treatment options that can provide relief and better long-term outcomes. Treatment options range from early interventions like splinting, injections, and physical therapy to surgical care when needed.
If hand pain is interfering with your daily routine, it’s time to get to the root of the problem. A personalized evaluation and treatment plan can help you feel better—and prevent further damage. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Fort, call (305) 209-5522 or contact us online today.