Symptoms > Arthritis Symptoms By Body Part > The Hands and Wrists > Diagnosing Hand and Wrist Problems

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Diagnosing Hand and Wrist Problems

Diagnosing a hand or wrist problem will begin with a physical exam and assessment of your medical history. During the medical history your doctor will ask you questions such as:

What symptoms are you experiencing?
When did you first start noticing them? Were they the result of an injury?
Are your symptoms worse after activity or rest? Are there certain activities that make them worse – or better?
Do you recall having an illness or accident around the time your symptoms began?
Are you experiencing symptoms in any joints besides the fingers and/or wrists?
Do any of your family members have arthritis or other hand and/or wrist problems?
Do you have other medical problems that could be causing your symptoms?

During the physical exam your doctor will look at and touch your hands and any other joints you may be experiencing problems with. Your doctor will be looking for areas that have tenderness, pain or swelling, as well as indications the joint may be damaged. Depending on the findings of the history and exam, your doctor may order lab tests and imaging tests to help make or confirm a diagnosis.

Faith

15 May 2012, 14:39

Im 38. Had carpel tunnel surgery over 2 years ago. Now same hand had surgery in, fingers are swollen & sore daily, cannot even make a fist. Other then an ice pack is there anything I should be doing or taking. I have gotten that cortisone shot that hurts like hell. It does help for a short time. Can anyone recommend something other than the shot. I am a single parent, I work on a computer for a living. Do I change my job or what? Not exactly easy to find one nowadays. Any advise to keep me from falling apart, I need the use of my hands, I have alot more life i have to live. Signed, Numb hands.

Gisele

03 May 2012, 13:20

My Dr. told me yesterday I need a finger joint replacement. I had never heard of that. Is that my last resort or can something else be done. I am bone on bone in that joint of my long finger and cannot bend without pain.

Bridget

24 Apr 2012, 05:42

Im 45 and wondering what type of doctor i need to see? My joints began to bulge and have shooting pains in my fingers a few years ago, and i noticed my wrist bone is protruding now. I have no period for the last 3yrs, am exhausted, skin is thin and wrinking seemingly quickly, cant remember things.... Do i need hormones, a certain vitamin(s), is it thyroid, do i ask for a bone doctor...? I use my hands for a living and I never want to become helpless; especially starting this young.
Thanks!

older men dating younger women

15 Jan 2012, 08:17

All above told the truth.

Judith O'Connell

10 Dec 2011, 06:01

Woke up while sleeping with burning hand on outside of bothnds from pinky to below wrist. This was happening to both hands at the same time. I use the computer alot, but use the mouse only with right hand. Burning sensation is also on palm of hand.

I always sleep with hands clenched.

susan quirk

02 Dec 2011, 21:41

Mt mom is 85 years old and has contracted wrists and fingers. Her fingers are closed so tightly I can barely get them open. Is there any type of splint i can use? now she is starting to get pressure ulcers un betwwem her fingers.

Sharon Smith

25 Oct 2011, 03:08

My mother is being treated for PD, she is in a care home, she also suffers from Angina. Medication is very difficult as her body reacts badly to the combination of meds and she suffers from bad depression and paranoia! Her hand knuckles on predominantly the right hand (she is right handed), but also on the left hand have become VERY swollen, so much so that she can now hardly move her right hand, being unable to grasp, hold a cup or fork, I couldn't even open her hand to wipe her fingers last night. The doctor has prescribed paracetamol - is this right?

Winnie

02 Oct 2011, 17:07

Both my hands hurts constantly(not acute though)...especially the area bewtween the end of the thumb and wrist. The bones pertrude in size.Some other finger joints also is swollen and hard.This happened in the last few years it seems.

maxine

28 Sep 2011, 21:20

Is there any where to see and read lab resukts re: RA

Josephine L

21 Sep 2011, 20:38

I had carpel tunnel surgery and surgery for arthritic pain in my left thumb at the same time. Today, the same pain I was experiencing with the arthritic pain has returned. WHY? I'm wondering whether it will ever go away permanently. NO MORE SURGERY!!!!

Barbara

02 Aug 2011, 14:54

I am 51 years old female.I am having constant throbbing pain in both wrists. My thumb joints that are close to wrist move and pop out. Both ankles also hurt like throbbing pain.Problem with 1 knee cap. I have been using Salonpas pads. If I have pain at nite I stick 1 on. It helps me sleep. I love to exercise, but feels like its only a temporary fix. like u feel Zen for a little while. I like it and will continue exercising. Can anyone else give me some advice? Thank You

Marcy

29 Jul 2011, 18:27

My left thumb clicks when I try to move it or bend it in certain directions. Is this normal for arthritis sufferers?

Janine Jaiyen

06 Jul 2011, 02:48

Comment on Tanika:
I have Hypertyroidism for 1 year before accepted a radioactive Iodine treatment. Now I'm on 50 mg Thyroxine. 5 years ago my fingers joints began to be so painful and swollen. I have an x-ray done on both of my hand to discover that I possible has an RA on my fingers. I can no longer making a fist. I belived that it's a tyroid related desease. No one in my family has RA. My doctor suggested a tropical cream which has helped with pain for a short period. I have excercised finger and joints daily to relived stiffness; open and close finger like flowers. Hope you find a way to manage you pain.

Becky Cole

20 Jun 2011, 14:05

I experience pain in both thumb joints upon any gripping or side to side motion and pain along the outside of the palm which is a constant aching.
Any suggestions?

chris napoli

03 Jun 2011, 14:07

Both hands hurt pain in movement finger joints lock up .It is worse in the mornings, and winter months.Sometimes sever joint pain.

Tanika Kurra

30 Mar 2011, 20:44

Hi, I m 29 years house wife with Hyperthyroid profile from last 7 year and taking 100 mg thyroxin on daily basis. from last 1 month i am feeling pain in my palm and wrist. also severe pain in my back and thighs.... i feel pain in my palm and first two fingers while any kind of movement like gripping, holding etc. i m not sure that am i now getting in to arthritist problem or it is due to thyroid only. My ANA / ANF (Antibody nuclear factor) came positive i.e 28.70 units (Ref range is <20)also thyroid is 7.28 (ref range is 0.55 - 5.55). Kindly suggest what to do and whom should i consult.......

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Diagnosing Hand and Wrist Problems

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