Effective Chronic Hand Pain Treatments

Chronic hand pain can make simple tasks like texting a loved one or getting dressed painful and difficult. Unfortunately, after years of treatment, many patients are still left asking, “What is the right treatment for hand pain?” 

“Patients are often discouraged by ongoing hand pain and loss of function, despite feeling like they have tried everything,” says Dr. Hari Iyer, a double board-certified surgeon specializing in orthopedic surgery and hand surgery, “I want these patients to know there are innovative treatments available that can relieve their hand pain and restore their quality of life.”

From advances in non-surgical therapies to revolutionary surgical treatments, long-term relief from chronic hand pain is possible. The key is understanding your options and finding a provider who can help you make the best decision for your condition. 

Non-Surgical Hand Pain Treatment Options

Many patients look to non-surgical treatments as the first step in managing pain and restoring function. Non-surgical treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve function, but in some cases, they may not fully address the underlying structural or neurological cause of the pain. As a result, certain conditions—such as severe arthritis, nerve compression, or tendon damage—may continue to cause lingering or recurring symptoms. Common non-surgical treatment options include:

• Electrical stimulation
• Injections or nerve blocks
• Medications for pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy
• Splints and braces

Surgical Hand Pain Treatment Options

When non-surgical treatments are not enough to provide lasting relief, surgical intervention may be the best option for restoring function and reducing pain. Today, numerous specialized surgical procedures effectively target the underlying cause of chronic hand pain, offering long-term relief for conditions like severe arthritis, nerve compression, and tendon damage. 

Joint Denervation Surgery: Ideal for arthritis-related pain, this innovative procedure removes pain-causing nerves while preserving joint movement, making it a good option for patients with stiff, painful joints that have not responded to other treatments. Most patients experience relief within weeks and regain mobility over a few months.

Nerve Decompression: Recommended for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome, this minimally invasive procedure relieves pressure on compressed nerves, reducing pain, numbness, and weakness. Many patients see immediate improvement, with full recovery in a few weeks to months.

Nerve Graft Surgery: Used for severe nerve injuries, this procedure restores function and sensation by replacing damaged nerves with a healthy nerve from another area of the body or a donor. Recovery depends on the extent of nerve damage, but nerve regeneration can take months to a year.

Integrating a Multidisciplinary Approach

Effective hand pain treatment requires more than just one solution—it takes a team of experts working together to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. As part of The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, we collaborate with specialists across multiple disciplines, ensuring every patient receives a tailored treatment plan. Our experts have published extensively on advanced surgical techniques for hand and nerve conditions, contributing to medical journals and leading the development of groundbreaking procedures. As a result, our patients benefit from a highly specialized approach that prioritizes precision and long-term outcomes.

You Do Not Have to Live with Chronic Hand Pain

Finding the right treatment for chronic hand pain can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Take the next step toward lasting relief. Request a consultation today for expert guidance on the best solution for your hand pain.