What could be causing pain in a hand that fractured 10 years ago?

Sep 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of recent pain in a hand that fractured 10 years ago include local exposure to cold, overuse, traumatic arthritis, tendon adhesions, and osteoporosis accompanied by periostitis. If discomfort or symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, pay attention to keeping the hand warm to avoid cold exposure, and arrange hand activities reasonably.

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of recent pain in a hand that fractured 10 years ago include local exposure to cold, excessive strain, traumatic arthritis, tendon adhesions, and osteoporosis accompanied by periostitis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Local Exposure to Cold

After a hand fracture, blood circulation in the area is relatively poor. Frequent exposure to cold environments recently can cause blood vessels to constrict, worsening insufficient blood supply and stimulating nerves, leading to pain. Wear warm gloves promptly and avoid exposing the hand to low temperatures. Soaking the hand in warm water can improve circulation—15–20 minutes per session—to help relieve pain.

2. Excessive Strain

Frequent heavy use or repetitive hand movements recently—such as lifting heavy objects or prolonged typing—can increase stress on the previously fractured area, causing pain. Reduce heavy loading and repetitive motions, allow the hand adequate rest, and perform gentle finger and wrist exercises during work breaks to relax hand muscles.

3. Traumatic Arthritis

After a fracture, uneven healing of the joint surface can lead to long-term wear and traumatic arthritis, with inflammatory stimulation causing increased pain recently. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as celecoxib capsules, glucosamine hydrochloride capsules, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be taken. Avoid excessive hand exertion to reduce joint wear.

4. Tendon Adhesions

During fracture healing, tendons may adhere to surrounding tissues. Increased hand activity recently may pull on these adhesion sites, causing pain. Under medical guidance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, loxoprofen sodium tablets, or naproxen sodium tablets may be used. Combine medication with professional rehabilitation exercises to release adhesions; surgical release of tendon adhesions may be necessary in severe cases.

5. Osteoporosis Accompanied by Periostitis

Poor recovery of bone density at the fracture site, combined with age-related osteoporosis and inflammation of the periosteum due to irritation, can lead to pain. Under a doctor’s supervision, medications such as calcium carbonate D3 tablets, alendronate sodium tablets, or etoricoxib tablets may be prescribed. Increase dietary intake of calcium-rich foods and avoid accidental impacts to the hand.

In daily life, maintain hand warmth to prevent cold exposure; reasonably schedule hand activities to avoid overuse; undergo regular check-ups for hand bone density and joint health; engage in appropriate hand-strengthening exercises to enhance skeletal stability; and rest promptly when pain occurs to prevent further injury.