Seasonal Discomfort in Your Hands

12/24/2011

This week on the Doc on JOX, we had a quadruple combo of callers who had concerns about their hands, with gentlemen all experiencing pain, numbness, or difficulty using their hands.

I know it can be extremely frustrating when your hands aren’t working like you want them to. It makes it difficult to write, type, hold items, eat… – I mean, just thing about all that you do with your hands. Almost everything, right? Good news is that often times it is something that can be treated.

These symptoms and/or issues appear often during this time of year. Part of this is because it’s traditionally cold in the winter and people are using their hands – whether it’s gathering firewood, moving a lot of packages, or just your normal physical routines. One reason why a lot of issues with extremities show during this time of year is because your body reduces blood flow to the extremities to conserve heat in the core of your body.

If you're presented with some pain or lack of motion in your hands (either temporary or consistent) – see your doctor and get checked out. You could possibly need some anti-inflammatories and medication to help you. In some cases – dependent upon your symptoms – a bursa sac may need to be removed or you may have a case of carpal tunnel syndrome – or both, or more.

Many diseases or issues are associated or work in conjunction with each other when you may be experiencing these symptoms in your hands. Rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, previous injuries to the area, obesity, and more can create conditions that lead to pain or discomfort in the extremities.

Physical therapy may be required, medication, and you need to rest these areas.

If it’s any comfort, you’re not alone. As I said above, this time of year, your bodily reacts to the cold to conserve heat and your extremities are left to fend for themselves – and these symptoms can appear. Feel comfort in that most everything is extremely treatable.

For the short term (and maybe get through the holidays), try Aleve to help with the pain and swelling and, in the evening, place your hands on a pillow to let them rest and help with circulation. If problems persist through time, see your doctor and get fixed up.

Be Well,

Dr. R