Wrist and Hand pain

Wrist and Hand Pain

What is Wrist and Hand Pain?

Wrist and hand pain is when specific conditions alter the mobility of the joints in the hand and wrist causing tenderness, pain and a decreased range of motion. 

Causes of wrist and hand pain include:

  • Overuse or injuries
  • Daily wear and tear 
  • Ageing 
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Repetitive motion syndrome
  • Writer’s cramps
  • Tendon tears
  • Arthritis
  • Gout 

How is Wrist and Hand Pain Managed?

Treatment 

  • Manual therapy
  • Rehabilitation exercises
  • Massage Therapy
  • Bracing in severe pain conditions
  • Osteopathy 
  • Naturopathy 
  • Acupuncture 
  • Chiropractic manipulations and adjustments 

Wrist Fracture

What is a Wrist fracture?

A wrist fracture is defined as the breakage of one of the bones near your wrist. It is usually a result of a sudden impact, such as falling from a bike, or playing a sport. These types of fractures are often caused by falling on an outstretched wrist or arm or by osteoporosis.

Common types of wrist fractures

  • Colles’ Fracture – Distal radius with dorsal dislocation of fragments
  • Smith’s Fracture – Distal radius with Volar dislocation of fragments
  • Barton’s Fracture – Fracture displacement of the Radiocarpal joint
  • Chauffeur’s Fracture – Fracture of the Radial Styloid

What does a Wrist fracture feel like?

Symptoms

  • Pain in the wrist upon movement 
  • Unable to move the wrist due to the pain 
  • Swelling 
  • Numbness
  • Obvious deformity

How can we help with Wrist fracture recovery?

Treatment

  • Manual therapy
  • Rehabilitation exercises
  • Massage therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Osteopathy

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

What is DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the tendons which run from the side of the wrist to the thumb. This condition specifically affects the APL (abductor pollicis longus) and EPB (extensor pollicis brevis) tendons which are kept in place by a synovial tunnel. The inflammation of these tendons constricts the movement of the thumbs leading to decreased mobility and pain.

What causes DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis?

  • Chronic overuse of the wrist involving lifting (grocery bags) or writing 
  • Pregnancy 
  • Rheumatoid arthritis 
  • Injury

What does DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis feel like?

  • Pain and swelling near the base of the thumb 
  • Constricted movement 
  • ‘Stop and go’ feeling when moving the thumb

How can DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis be managed?

  • Treatment

    • TENS
    • Dry needling
    • Acupuncture
    • Rehabilitation exercises
    • Chiropractic adjustments and manipulations 
    • Massage Therapy 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve due to compression in the inner wrist. The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. The compression of the median nerve induces symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand. 

Causes of this condition include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Repeated, strenuous activities
  • Diabetes 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Trauma to the wrist

What does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome feel like?

Symptoms

  • Numbness in the palm side of the hand
  • Sensation of pins and needles 
  • Weak grip
  • Dull ache near the base of the hand 
  • Tingling sensation in the hand and arm

How can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be managed?

Treatment

  • Physiotherapy; including nerve mobilisation, fine motor exercises, hand dexterity exercises 
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Acupuncture 
  • Massage 
  • Laser therapy 
  • Osteopathy

Dupuytren Contracture

What is Dupuytren Contracture?

Dupuytren’s is a hand condition characterized by the gradual thickening and tightening of the connective tissue beneath the skin in the palm and fingers. Dupuytren’s Contracture can cause fingers to bend inward towards the palm, limiting mobility and flexibility. The condition typically begins with the appearance of nodules or lumps in the palm, and as it progresses, these nodules can develop into cords that pull the fingers into a flexed position. It can significantly impact daily activities, such as grasping objects and performing routine tasks.

How to treat Dupuytren Contracture?

  • Massage therapy: Gentle massage and manual therapy techniques can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and enhance overall hand flexibility. 
  • Acupuncture: help alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote overall well-being.
  • Osteopathy: focusing on the musculoskeletal system, osteopaths can improve hand flexibility and comfort by targeting the connective tissues affected by Dupuytren’s Contracture.
  • Physiotherapy: use physical interventions to relieve tension and discomfort and prescribe exercises to improve hand strength, flexibility, and range of motion. 

Skiers Thumb

What is Skiers Thumb?

Skier’s Thumb, also known as Gamekeeper’s Thumb, is a condition that affects the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb, commonly resulting from a forceful hyperextension or abduction injury. This injury is often seen in activities like skiing, where the thumb is forcefully pushed away from the handgrip. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and instability in the thumb joint. Individuals with this condition may experience difficulty gripping objects or performing activities that involve thumb movement.

How to treat Skiers Thumb?

  • Physiotherapy: Exercises are often prescribed to improve strength, flexibility, and stability in the thumb. 
  • Chiropractor: Chiropractors may employ manual adjustments to the thumb joint and surrounding areas to enhance alignment and joint function.
  • Osteopathy: Focusing on the musculoskeletal system, osteopaths can use hands-on techniques to address restrictions, improve blood flow, and enhance overall thumb mobility. Osteopathy may help in reducing pain and promoting the healing of ligaments.
  • Acupuncture: may assist in pain management and contribute to overall well-being

Ganglion Cysts

What is Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are noncancerous, fluid-filled lumps that commonly develop along tendons or joints of the wrists and hands. These cysts, often appearing as small, round bumps beneath the skin, are filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. Although typically harmless, ganglion cysts can cause discomfort or limit joint movement if they press on nerves or nearby structures. Cysts can often resolve on their own if they are left untreated. However, if the cyst is painful and interfering with daily activities, different therapies can help to improve pain and function.

How to Treat Ganglion Cysts?

  • Acupuncture: help manage pain and contribute to the reduction of inflammation around the cyst, potentially providing relief from swelling and discomfort. Improved blood flow to the affected area may facilitate the body’s natural healing processes and promote the gradual resolution of the cyst.
  • Massage therapy: Gentle massage around the affected area may help improve blood circulation and alleviate muscle tension, potentially providing relief from discomfort associated with ganglion cysts.
  • Osteopathy: gentle manipulation to enhance blood circulation, alleviate soft tissue restrictions, and promote optimal joint movement
  • Physiotherapy: targeted exercises to maintain or improve range of motion in the affected joint, as well as strategies to manage pain and swelling. 

Trigger Finger

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the tendons in the fingers or thumb. The affected digit may experience difficulty flexing or extending smoothly, causing it to lock or “catch” before suddenly snapping into place. This phenomenon is often accompanied by pain, swelling, and a noticeable clicking sensation during movement. Trigger finger typically results from repetitive gripping or forceful hand use, and certain factors such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or age may increase susceptibility. 

How to Treat Trigger Finger?

  • Acupuncture: alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It can also target muscle tension and enhance overall hand function. 
  • Osteopathy: use hands-on techniques to address joint restrictions and improve mobility. Osteopathy can target the affected finger’s structure, promoting better movement and reducing tension in the surrounding tissues.
  • Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists can design exercises to improve hand strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Additionally, they may employ techniques to reduce inflammation and enhance overall hand function. 
  • Massage therapy: increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Relax the muscles around the affected finger, alleviating tension and contributing to improved flexibility.