Symptoms of trigger finger often start without a single injury. They may follow a period of heavy or extensive hand use, particularly pinching and grasping activities. Stiffness and locking tend to worsen after periods of inactivity, such as when you wake up in the morning. In a severe case, the involved finger may become locked in a bent position.

• A tender lump at the base of the finger on the palm side of the hand
• A catching, popping, or locking sensation with finger movement.
• Pain when you bend or straighten the finger

Dupuytren’s contracture typically progresses slowly over the years. The condition usually begins as a thickening of the skin on the palm of your hand. As it progresses, the skin on your palm might appear puckered or dimpled. A firm lump of tissue can form on your palm. This lump might be sensitive to the touch but usually isn’t painful.

In later stages of Dupuytren’s contracture, cords of tissue form under the skin on your palm and can extend up to your fingers. As these cords tighten, your fingers might be pulled toward your palm, sometimes severely.

The two fingers farthest from the thumb are most commonly affected, though the middle finger also can be involved. Only rarely are the thumb and index finger affected. Dupuytren’s contracture can occur in both hands, though one hand is usually affected more severely.

Although the hand’s bones are small, a broken (fractured) finger is not a minor injury. The bones in a normal hand line up precisely. They let you perform many specialized functions, such as grasping a pen or manipulating small objects in your palm. When you fracture a finger bone, it can cause your whole hand to be out of alignment. Without treatment, your broken finger might stay stiff and painful. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may have a break or fracture that needs treatment.

• Swelling of the fracture site
• Tenderness at the fracture site
• Bruising at the fracture site
• Inability to move the injured finger completely
• Deformity of the injured finger

Symptoms of Boxer’s Fracture usually line up with that of a typical broken bone and present themselves within a 24 hour period. The injury is located in the last This injury needs to be evaluated by a professional immediately. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may have a Boxer’s Fracture that needs treatment.

• Swelling on both sides of the hand, typically appearing soon after the trauma
• Pain surrounding the area
• Extreme tenderness near the broken bone
• Limited mobility in the fingers
• Snapping or popping sensation in the affected bone
• Deep or painful bruises
• Difficulty gripping or inability to grip without feeling pain
• Nerve symptoms, such as numbness, coldness, or tingling sensation

Tendinitis is the result of repetitive motion over an extended period of time. It can result from a sudden injury, but more often, that is not the case. As our bodies age, our tendons become less flexible; this can allow tendinitis to occur. If you participate in continuous motions and are experiencing the following symptoms, you may need to be treated for Tendinitis.

• Pain often described as a dull ache, especially when moving the affected limb or joint.
• Tenderness
• Mild swelling

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can occur when the space in the wrist called “The Carpal Tunnel” becomes inflamed and then puts pressure on one of the nine tendons that run through this passage. This pressure can result in one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weak grip
• Occasional clumsiness
• A tendency to drop things

Arthritis is a disease within the tissues that are inside joints. Hands and wrists are two of the most common places for arthritis to affect; there can be swelling in a joint and its surrounding soft tissues. If you have one of the many Arthritis types, you may be experiencing some of the following symptoms:

• Pain that is limited to the joint itself. This pain can start as an occasional nuisance but will usually result in consistent pain as the condition progresses.
• Loss of motion in the joints as arthritis progresses. However, sometimes as motion is lost, pain is lessened.
• Joint motion accompanied by grinding, clicking, or cracking as the cartilage continues to wear down.
• Joints that swell and often become red and tender to the touch. This is a sign of damage to the tissues surrounding the joint and the body’s response to the constant irritation. The deformity occurs as these stabilizing soft tissues are worn away.
• Weakness that results from joint pain, loss of motion, and joint deformity.

Mostly present in women, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is caused by overuse of the wrist and hand. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you could be suffering from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. This needs to be treated so no further scarring can inhibit the movement of your thumb.

• Pain at the base of the thumb that can extend up the forearm. This can be especially noticeable when grasping with the thumb and wrist.
• Swelling along with the thumb and wrist. Occasionally you may find a fluid-filled cyst.
• Simple movements may become difficult or even impossible, like holding a cup.

The trauma of the wrist can range from mild and almost unnoticeable to severe. Both should be examined by a professional because the slightest injury can worsen over time and cause damage that has to be surgically repaired. If you are suffering from the following symptoms, seek medical attention; if caught early, preventative measures can be taken to heal the wrist properly.

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness to touch
• A feeling of popping or tearing inside the wrist
• A feeling of warmth around the wrist

If you have any of the following symptoms, you could have an infection and need to see a healthcare provider and prevent permanent damage to the joint.

• Extreme discomfort and/or difficulty using wrist and hand
• Joint could be swollen, red, and warm
• Possible fever