As you begin looking for solutions to your hand pain problems, you may feel overwhelmed with the choices available. 

Don't be fooled into spending your time and money on quick-fix solutions.  Unfortunately, it takes time, dedication, and  commitment (some call it an "obsession") to cure repetitive injuries.  The fact that so many solutions are available shows not only the scope of the problem, but the fact that different people and different injuries respond differently.

Prevention of the problem is truly the easiest and least expensive solution.  After that, recovery depends upon how quickly you seek treatment, how severe the injury is, and how seriously you approach treatment.  These are not injuries in which you can passively wait for healing.  You must be proactive!

To be most effective, you must take a three-pronged approach to prevention and recovery.

First, maintain a comfortable work environment that is ergonomically sound (ergonomics).  Small and inexpensive changes can significantly reduce body stressors.  Practice tendon and nerve protection techniques in your daily and leisure activities as well as in your work activities.

Second, a healthy body heals more quickly.  Promote injury recovery and help your body heal more quickly by practicing good health habits.  .

Third, exercise regularly. It is important to stretch the tight muscles that are at risk (such as the forearms, chest and neck) and strengthen the weak (such as the postural muscles). Performing deep breathing techniques and cardiovascular activity can also improve the flow of oxygen and blood to affected muscles.

If it is difficult or impractical to change one of the above categories (for example, if you have diabetes and are a slow healer or if you work on an assembly line and can not modify your workload), the other areas become that much more important.