I have the same problem with my hands. I can't ride without ergo grips, the pain is unbearable. They make ALL THE DIFFERENCE. The grips along with bar ends are EVEN BETTER as the barends allow you to hold on without putting weight on your hands for some relief. I have the ergos on all my bikes.
I even bought an automatic shifting bike with coaster brakes and ergo grips for my rides to Publix - it's called a Trek Lime and has a very comfortable handlebar along with no pulling on the brakes or shifting.