What is Left Hand Pain? - Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

Pain & discomfort in the left hand can arise from injuries to the bones and muscle tissues in the upper arm, or it may indicate serious underlying issues like a heart attack. The pain can range from mild to severe, emphasizing the need for seeking medical attention. The characteristics of pain & additional symptoms associated with left-hand pain include Sharp, sudden pain that radiates to the chest, jawline, or wrist & fingers, accompanied by stiffness, noticeable swelling or redness around the affected area of the arm, tingling or numbness sensations (due to nerve compression), & weakness in the hands, making it difficult to hold & grab the objects.

Causes of Left Hand Pain:

• An injury, a sudden fall, or an accident can lead to hand or wrist fractures.
• Sprains or muscle strain due to overuse of the arms or shoulder joint (writing, playing sports such as badminton, or lifting heavy objects) can cause pain.
• Nerve damage linked with diabetic neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with numbness & tingling sensations in the left hand.
• Heart attacks, often associated with breathing difficulty & chest discomfort, are accompanied by pain that radiates to the left arm.
• Raynaud’s disease is associated with reduced blood flow and can cause pain, numbness, and cold sensations, usually in the fingers & hands.
• Arthritis and tendonitis, the inflammatory conditions, are two common contributing factors that result in restricted movements & pain in the arm

When should you seek the doctor for left-hand pain?

• If the pain is persistent for more than a few days & interrupts your sleep.
• If you had an injury to your arm due to a sudden fall or accident.
• If the pain doesn’t go away even after using home remedies or OTC medications
• If you experience the associated symptoms, along with severe arm pain.

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our Ortho Specialists today

Diagnosis of Left Hand Pain:

• Physical examinations & medical history are the primary diagnostic measures to understand the symptoms more precisely.
• Certain blood tests, including CBC, C-reactive protein, and ESR, are performed to determine underlying infections or inflammation.
• Certain imaging tests, including CT and MRI scans, help in visualizing fractures or joint injuries.

Treatment of Left Hand Pain:

While mild pain can be managed with home remedies, such as rest & ice therapy, it can relieve discomfort & pain. Chronic or severe left-hand pain needs medical & surgical intervention to prevent complications.

• Gentle exercises: They improve the flexibility of the hand & the range of motion.
• Heat or Cold therapy: Applying a heat or cold pack to the affected area can ease pain, discomfort, & swelling
• Resting: Taking regular breaks while you perform activities that include repetitive use of the arm can relieve muscle strain & reduce swelling.
• Splints or Braces: Supportive aids such as braces hold the arm in position & reduce the pressure or discomfort while sleeping.
• Medical Therapy: Certain pain relievers & steroid injections can improve left-hand pain.
• Surgical Therapy: In severe cases (Rotatory cuff repair), surgery can be employed to ease pain associated with shoulder injury.

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