There are several different problems that commonly cause pain on the back of the hand. Injuries that damage skin, muscle, or bone are a frequent culprit. Disorders that cause compression of the nerves that run through the arms and hands may also be to blame. Arthritis in the joints of the hand is another common cause, and some people can also develop painful problems with the tendons in their hands.
Hand pain is often the result of an injury to the area. Bruises or hematomas can develop for a wide range of reasons; for example, a heavy object could fall on your hand or hit a hard surface. A severe enough blow can even lead to a painful fracture in the bones along the back of the hand.
Nerve compression is another common cause of hand pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve that passes through the wrist to the hand is compressed, is often the problem; This disorder often develops in people who make repetitive movements with their hands and wrists or who often use vibrating tools. Another disorder known as radial tunnel syndrome, or posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, is the result of pinching the radial nerve at the elbow or back of the forearm, and can cause a sharp, stabbing pain on the back of the hand. In some cases, the nerve is actually damaged; This is known as radial neuropathy and can lead to long-term pain as well as loss of some sensation in the hand.
Another common cause of hand pain is arthritis. This disease, which causes joint inflammation and damage, can affect many different areas in the hand, and usually becomes progressively more degenerative and painful over time. There are different types of arthritis that are often associated with the hands, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which often affects older people.
Tendon problems in the hands can also cause pain. Two common disorders that affect the hands are tendonitis and tenosynovitis. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons, while tenosynovitis causes inflammation of the sheaths that surround them. Often the result of strain or overuse, tendon problems often lead to swelling, irritation, and pain in the hands.