Hand or Wrist Pain Making Everyday Tasks Difficult? Here’s Why

Why Hand and Wrist Pain Is So Common After 50

If opening jars, gripping objects, typing, or lifting causes pain in your hands or wrists, you’re not alone.
For adults over 50, hand and wrist pain often develops slowly and then suddenly becomes impossible to ignore.

These joints are used hundreds of times a day, so even mild inflammation quickly affects daily life.

Most Common Causes of Hand and Wrist Pain

1. Arthritis in the Hands or Wrist

Arthritis commonly affects:

• finger joints
• the base of the thumb
• the wrist joint

Symptoms include:

• stiffness
• aching
• swelling
• reduced grip strength
• pain in the morning or cold weather

2. Tendon Inflammation

Overuse from:

• typing
• phone use
• gripping tools
• repetitive tasks

can irritate tendons, causing:

• sharp pain
• weakness
• pain when gripping or twisting

3. Carpal Tunnel or Nerve Compression

Pressure on nerves can cause:

• tingling
• numbness
• burning pain
• weakness
• symptoms worse at night

4. Loss of Joint Lubrication

With age, joint fluid thickens and circulation slows, making hand movement stiff and painful.

5. Old Injuries

Past fractures, sprains, or repetitive strain can flare up years later.

6. Cold Weather Sensitivity

Cold temperatures increase stiffness and reduce circulation, worsening hand pain in winter.

Why Hand and Wrist Pain Often Gets Worse Over Time

Many people try to “work through it.”
But ignoring early symptoms leads to:

• increasing inflammation
• loss of grip strength
• reduced dexterity
• worsening stiffness
• limited hand function

Early treatment prevents long-term damage.

Signs Your Hand or Wrist Pain Needs Attention

✔ pain when gripping or twisting
✔ stiffness lasting longer than 10 minutes
✔ swelling or warmth
✔ numbness or tingling
✔ dropping objects
✔ difficulty opening jars or doors
✔ pain that worsens at night

These are not just “normal aging” symptoms.

Why Braces, Ice, and Pills Aren’t Enough

While braces and medication may help temporarily, they don’t address:

• inflammation inside the joint
• circulation issues
• tendon irritation
• nerve sensitivity

Lasting relief requires targeted, non-surgical care.

How Buffalo Arthritis & Joint Pain Center Helps Hand & Wrist Pain

Our treatments help:

• reduce inflammation
• improve circulation
• support joint and tissue health
• restore mobility
• improve grip strength
• reduce stiffness and swelling

Patients often report:

• easier gripping
• less morning stiffness
• improved hand strength
• reduced pain during daily tasks

All without surgery or injections.

Simple Ways to Reduce Hand & Wrist Pain at Home

✔ Gently stretch fingers and wrists daily
✔ Take breaks from repetitive tasks
✔ Keep hands warm in cold weather
✔ Use ergonomic tools when possible
✔ Ice after overuse
✔ Stay hydrated to support joint fluid

Small habits protect hand function.

You Don’t Have to Live With Hand or Wrist Pain

Pain in your hands or wrists can limit independence and quality of life, but it’s often treatable.

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