
What causes swelling and pain in the palm?
My palm has been hurting constantly lately; what could be the cause?

Hand swelling and pain can be caused by many factors; the following are some common reasons:
1. Overuse or strain: Prolonged typing, using a mouse, or performing repetitive hand movements may lead to muscle fatigue and minor injuries, which can cause hand swelling and pain.
2. Arthritis: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause pain and swelling in the hand joints. This phenomenon is more common in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
3. Tendon sheath inflammation (tenosynovitis): Rapid or forceful hand movements over an extended period may result in tenosynovitis. This condition presents with symptoms such as hand pain, joint warmth, swelling, and difficulty bending the fingers.
4. Nerve compression: Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness in the fingers and hand pain due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist.
5. Fractures or cracks: Direct impact or trauma to the hand may lead to hand bone fractures or cracks, causing severe hand pain.
6. Circulatory problems: Raynaud's disease can impair blood circulation in the hands, resulting in cold hands, color changes, and pain.