Pain in the lower part of your palm can stem from several causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious underlying conditions. Let's explore some possibilities.
Common Causes of Palm Pain
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Minor Injuries: As stated in the provided text, pain in the palm often results from a minor injury or overuse. This could include strains from repetitive hand movements, cuts, or bruises. These typically resolve with rest and home care.
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Overuse: Repetitive actions like typing, writing, or using power tools can lead to overuse injuries. This can manifest as inflammation of tendons (tendonitis) or other soft tissues.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition, explained in the MedlinePlus article, involves excessive pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. While primarily affecting the wrist, it can radiate pain into the palm, particularly the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger (as described in the Cleveland Clinic's information on the median nerve).
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Infection: An infection in the hand, possibly a deeper infection, can cause significant pain in the palm.
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Inflammation: Conditions like palmar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue on the palm side of the hand) can cause significant palm pain.
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Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to nerves in the hand can result in pain, numbness, and tingling in the palm, as noted in the Medical News Today article on palm pain.
Less Common Causes
While less frequent, other conditions can also contribute to palm pain:
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Tumors: Abnormal cell growth in the hand, a less common cause but one to consider if pain persists.
When to See a Doctor
If your palm pain worsens, doesn't improve with home treatment (like rest and ice), or is accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in finger or thumb shape or color, or loss of feeling in your hand (as noted by the NHS), seek medical attention immediately. These could indicate a more serious underlying problem requiring professional diagnosis and treatment.
