Hand Pain Diagnosis & Treatment

Your hands do everything, so hand pain gets noticed fast — whether it’s numbness and tingling from a pinched nerve, a catching finger, or the ache of arthritis. Our orthopedic and pain management team diagnoses the cause and treats it, from conservative care to targeted procedures, across Long Island and northern New Jersey. We have offices in Plainview, New Hyde Park, and Ronkonkoma, NY, and Clifton, Montville, and Plainfield, NJ.

What causes hand pain

The hand and wrist pack a lot of nerves, tendons, and small joints into a small space, so pain can come from several sources. The most common we see include:

• Nerve compression — carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is squeezed at the wrist, causing numbness and tingling
• Tendon problems — trigger finger, where a finger catches or locks, and tendonitis from overuse
• Arthritis — wear of the small joints, especially at the base of the thumb
• Injury — sprains, fractures, and ligament damage

The pattern is a clue: numbness and tingling suggest a nerve, a catching or locking finger suggests a tendon, and deep aching with stiffness suggests a joint. Getting the diagnosis right is what makes treatment work.

Hand conditions we treat

We also treat trigger finger, hand and thumb arthritis, and tendonitis. For a finger that catches or locks, our trigger finger release is a minimally invasive option when conservative care isn’t enough.

How we treat hand pain — step by step

• Splinting and activity changes — resting the hand and bracing (often at night) is the first step for many nerve and tendon problems.
• Therapy — hand therapy, nerve-gliding exercises, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain.
• Injections — a corticosteroid injection can calm inflammation in carpal tunnel, trigger finger, or arthritis; for certain tendon problems, PRP therapy may support healing.
• Minimally invasive surgery — a carpal tunnel release or trigger finger release when conservative care hasn’t resolved the problem.

Why patients across Long Island and North Jersey choose Empire

Insurance

Coverage varies by plan and by location, and we accept many major insurance plans across our New York and New Jersey offices. The simplest way to know exactly what your plan covers is to call — our team will verify your benefits before your visit, so there are no surprises. Whether you’re on Long Island or in North Jersey, reach out and we’ll walk you through your options.

Frequently asked questions

What’s causing the numbness in my hand?

Numbness and tingling in the hand most often come from nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome at the wrist. The specific fingers affected help pinpoint which nerve is involved.

Why does my finger catch or lock?

A finger that catches, locks, or snaps is the hallmark of trigger finger, a tendon problem. It often responds to splinting or an injection, with a release procedure available if needed.

Can hand pain be treated without surgery?

Very often, yes. Most hand pain improves with splinting, therapy, and injections. Surgery is reserved for specific problems that don’t respond or where a nerve needs to be decompressed.

When should I see a specialist for hand pain?

When home care hasn’t helped after a couple of weeks, the pain is worsening, or you have numbness, weakness, or a finger that locks. Early evaluation often means simpler treatment.

What’s a red flag for hand problems?

Progressive numbness or weakness, trouble with fine motor tasks, visible muscle thinning at the base of the thumb, or a hand injury with deformity all warrant prompt attention.

Is hand arthritis treatable?

Yes. Thumb and hand arthritis are managed with splinting, activity changes, therapy, and injections, with surgery considered only in advanced cases.