Experiencing Pain in Your Wrists or Hands?
Most of us use our wrists and hands frequently and diversely throughout each day. Their health and functionality play a crucial role in our lives, regardless of age or lifestyle. From simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or pointing to complex activities like typing or playing an instrument, they can provide assistance in many ways.
Wrists and hands are made up of an extensive array of ligaments, muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, and blood vessels. If any of these elements are affected by issues such as injury or medical conditions, symptoms may arise that impact countless tasks and hinder their usual abilities. These may include pain, stiffness, inflammation, reduced mobility, and impaired fine and gross motor skills. No matter how you spend your day, hand and wrist issues have the ability to significantly impact your quality of life.
Considering how important wrists and hands are emphasises the importance of appropriate care and seeking prompt treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or want to take steps to prevent issues, our skilled and friendly therapists are here to support you however we can.
TYPES OF WRIST AND HAND PAIN
Given the complexity of wrists and hands and the extensive list of tasks we ask them to perform, there is a wide range of issues that can cause wrist and hand pain. Some of these include:
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
There are eight carpal bones in the wrist and intricate connective tissue across the wrist called the flexor retinaculum. This area is called the carpal tunnel, which plays an important role in protecting the nerves and blood vessels that run underneath the wrist, as well as keeping the forearm tendons intact when we move our fingers.
If the tunnel becomes compromised, whether it is compressed, inflamed, or irritated, and the space becomes reduced, pressure can be placed on the median nerve. This nerve supplies the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger with strength and sensation.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME MAY BE CAUSED BY FACTORS SUCH AS:
- Repetitive hand use
- Hand and wrist positioning
- Pregnancy
- Health conditions
- Genetics
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Numbness, tingling, burning and pain in the thumb, index, middle and ring finger
- Intermittent sharp pains
- Pain that radiates to the forearm, elbow and shoulder.
- Weakness and lack of strength in the hand.
- Clumsiness of finer hand and finger movements.
- Pain during the night due to positioning while sleeping.
The symptoms typically begin gradually and sometimes without trauma. They may be intermittent at first, but as the condition worsens, they may become more frequent or persist for longer periods.
DE QUERVIAIN’S TENOSYNOVITIS
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the thumb tendons. These are located on the backside of the thumb and can become quite painful, stiff, and weak when inflamed.
Repetitive strain and overuse of the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis tendon causes this issue.
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis may be caused by factors such as:
- Acute or direct trauma to the thumb.
- Repetitive use of computers, mobile phones, controllers, tools, or sports racquets.
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Local tenderness and swelling at the base of the thumb and sometimes forearm.
- Pain during wrist and hand motions, gripping, or even making a fist.
- Reduction in strength.
LIGAMENT DAMAGE/ JOINT SPRAIN
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
Within the wrist joint, there are a number of important ligaments that aid in supporting the joint and hold a number of bones in place. These may become damaged or irritated from excessive strain, which may range from a slight overstretch to a complete rupture
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Sudden onset of wrist pain during the causative activity.
- Pain and tenderness at the site of injury.
- Stiffness and limited range of motion.
- Swelling in the wrist
- Bruising
TRIANGULAR FIBROCARTILAGE COMPLEX TEAR
WHAT IS THE CONDITION?
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is an important structure of the wrist and is made up of cartilage, ligaments, and other soft tissues. These are responsible for stabilising the joints at the end of the forearm. The TFCC helps to form a connection from the end of the forearm to the small bones on the ulnar or ‘pinky side’ of the wrist.
A TFCC tear can occur with natural wear and tear as well as with an injury with compression of the wrist, especially if accompanied by a motion bringing the pinky side of the wrist towards the body.
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?
A triangular fibrocartilage complex tear may be caused by factors such as:
- A fall on the hand or wrist
- A twist injury
- A fracture
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- Tenderness and swelling over the back aspect of the wrist.
- Sharp pain with wrist and hand movement.
- A clicking or grinding sensation with wrist movement.
- Decreased strength in the wrist and hand and a feeling of instability.
HAND AND WRIST SYMPTOMS
Wrist and hand issues can manifest in various ways. Some common symptoms associated with wrist and hand pain include:
- Aching, burning, sharp, or shooting pain.
- Sudden, transient, reoccurring, or long-term discomfort.
- Localised pain or pain that radiates to other areas.
- Inflammation and visible swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Stiffness
- Reduced mobility and range of motion.
- Numbness and tingling.
- Weakness and decreased grip strength.
TREATMENT FOR WRIST AND HAND PAIN
The team at Excel Body & Health are highly skilled practitioners who will thoroughly assess your issue to identify the cause and any underlying factors. We will then determine the most appropriate treatment and management approach, creating a personalised care plan that incorporates your specific requirements and goals.
Treatment may include evidence-based techniques such as:
- Soft tissue massage.
- Muscle energy techniques.
- Exercise prescription.
- Stretching.
- Joint mobilisation.
- Dry needling.
- Taping.
- Education.
YOUR WRIST AND HAND PAIN QUESTIONS ANSWERED
There are some issues that are best dealt with through rest. The hands are, after all, constantly on the go and if there is a problem, it may be worsened by certain movements. However, some injuries or conditions benefit from gentle movement, stretches, or exercises. We will provide a suitable treatment plan for you depending on the nature and cause of the issue.
Absolutely. When talking about our desk set-up, there is often an emphasis on the positioning of our head, neck, and back. However, our wrists and hands are greatly affected by how and where they are used and the pressure or load applied to them. For these reasons, it is important to develop an ergonomic set-up for your workspace that aligns them in the best possible way. We can help guide you with this.
WHY EXCEL BODY & HEALTH CLINIC?
Excel Body & Health Clinic’s team of dedicated therapists deliver high-quality care to patients from Rosanna, Heidelberg, Viewbank, Macleod, Watsonia, Ivanhoe, Eaglemont, Bulleen, Reservoir, Preston, and many other areas around Victoria.
We are passionate about delivering high-quality, holistic care with a multidisciplinary approach, including osteopathy, physiotherapy, podiatry, and clinical exercise & Pilates classes.
WE’LL POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Wrist and hand pain can mean countless tasks are difficult to carry out, making it hard to keep up with your day. There are many reasons why you may experience discomfort in this region, and understanding the root cause may make a significant difference in the outcome. We will provide a thorough assessment to develop a personalised treatment plan for you and deliver high-quality care to help you find improvement.
If wrist or hand pain is an issue for you, please contact us to organise an initial consultation with one of our experienced and friendly therapists.
