Pain In The Back Of The Hand

Common causes of pain in the back of the hand

Pain in the back of your hand is often caused by bruising or injuring your hand, but there are lots of possible causes.

Do not try to diagnose the cause of your pain yourself.

Important

If you think you may have broken your hand, do not try to treat it yourself. Contact NHS 111 to find out what to do.

How you can ease pain in the back of your hand yourself

You may be able to treat the pain yourself if your hand if isn't broken.

Do

rest your hand when you can
put an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel and place it on the back of your hand for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
take paracetamol to ease the pain
take off any jewellery if your hand is swollen
wrap a bandage around your hand to support it
wear a splint to support your hand and ease pain, especially at night - you can get these at most pharmacies and supermarkets
gently exercise your hand and fingers to help ease pain and stiffness

Don't

do not use heat packs or have hot baths for the first 2 to 3 days after an injury

A pharmacist can help with hand pain

You can ask a pharmacist about:

the best painkiller to take
treatments for common skin problems
if you need to see a GP

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

pain in the back of your hand is stopping you doing normal activities
the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your hand
you have diabetes and hand pain - hand problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Contact NHS 111 if:

you have severe hand pain
you feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain
you heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of the injury
you are not able to move your hand or hold things
you have lost the feeling in part or all of your hand
your hand has changed shape or colour
you have pain in the back of your hand and feel hot, cold or shivery

These might be signs of a broken hand or an infection.

You can call 111 or get&t=/"">get help from 111 online.

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