Use of "en" versus "con" in a sentence

One of your sentences in MegaCards Beginners is: Tengo un problema en la mano derecha. Why is "en" used instead of "con" in this sentence? If this simply a language usage difference, how do I know when to use "en" or "con"?

Hola James, I am only speculating as I am not sure about the context. It is possible that both can be used like either "en" la manaña or "por" la manaña. I would think if it is a problem of pain or injury one would say' en" or if it is a problem with right hand dexterity, as you are left handed, the choice would be " con" Again, I'm only speculating. Perhaps our native speaker Cristian Montes de Oca will chime in. We haven't heard from him in quite awhile.¿Cristian donde estás amigo? Saludos, Rich

Thanks Rich. I haven't been very diligent in my studies lately. A computer repair and other interruptions has gotten me off my schedule. I appreciated your reply.

De nada amigo.

I don't really know, but Rich's answer sounds correct.

I think it's because Spanish is a direct language, so it makes more sense for pain to be 'in your hand' than 'with your hand', if you get what I mean.

¡Hola! I'm a native speaker of Spanish and I find this question very interesting. In this sentence, the preposition 'con' would be used most likely to refer to a functional problem (it does not work OK for some reason), and 'en' is used in a more general sense. It could mean an injury, but also a functional problem. I hope this is helpful. ¡Saludos! Victoria

yep

I am interested in Naomi's comment about Spanish being a "direct" language. Can someone explain what this term means?