Learn More About Your Hand And Wrist Pain
Hands and wrists are often the forgotten body parts when it comes to pain, but for many people, they can be a real source of discomfort.
Do you have pain in your hands or wrists? You’re not alone. In fact, hand and wrist problems are some of the most common issues that people seek treatment for.
Archer St Physiotherapy Centre is here to help. We offer a variety of services designed to help you get relief from your hand and wrist pain. From splinting, mobilisation, rehab exercises and manual therapy – we have the solution for you.
Wrap Your Mind Around Hand And Wrist Anatomy
BONES AND JOINTS
If you include the radius and ulna, there are 29 bones in the hand and wrist. The hand’s soft tissue is supported by dense, stiff bone structures. In the same way as hinges, joints allow for movement between adjacent bones. Finger joints are known as knuckles. Fractures are breaks in bones. An injury or deterioration of cartilage can lead to arthritis.
- 2 Forearm Bones. The ulna and radius serve as the connection between the wrist and hand to the rest of the arm. They are also the attachment site for most of the muscles responsible for the movement of the hand.
- 8 Carpal Bones. There are 2 rows of 4 short bones that make up the wrist.
- 5 Metacarpal Bones. These bones are found in the palm area. They are named from 1 to 5 with the first metacarpal bone responsible for the thumb.
- 14 Phalanges. The thumb is composed of 2 phalangeal bones: the proximal and distal phalanges. The other fingers have the additional intermediate phalangeal bone, which accounts for the increase in length.
LIGAMENTS
The ligaments are the thick, white bands of tissue supporting the joints and allowing them to move. A ligament injury (sprain) can cause the joints to become too loose and dislocated, or too stiff and rigid.
MUSCLES AND TENDONS
Hand and wrist joints are moved by muscles, red fleshy structures that contract and relax. Hand and wrist muscles are mainly found in the forearm, although there are a few small muscles in the hand. Tendons are white cord-like structures that connect muscles to tendons. Several tendons run through the wrist and out into each finger. These can be irritated by overuse (tendonitis) or cut as a result of a sharp injury. The carpal tunnel is another bony passage in your wrist through which tendons pass. It also houses the median nerve.
Causes
Typical Causes Of Hand & Wrist Pain
De Quervain's Tendinitis.
- This condition causes pain on the wrist's thumb side. The pain may be gradual or start suddenly. It can travel up the forearm and down the thumb.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- One of the most common nerve disorders of the hand. The pain is often worse at night than during the day. The discomfort occurs when the median nerve is constricted by swelling.
Fractures.
- It can be very painful to have a broken bone in the hand. It is possible that you won't be able to fully move a fractured finger.
Arthritis.
- Many people suffer from arthritis-related hand pain. A loss of cartilage causes joints to move in an uncoordinated manner. Swelling occurs as cartilage deteriorates, causing pain and sometimes debilitating symptoms.
Trigger Finger.
- It causes the fingers or the thumb to lock in a bent position and is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. Particularly when you bend or straighten the affected finger or thumb, it can be painful. Inflammation of the flexor tendons, which control the movement of the fingers and thumb, causes this condition.
Common Symptoms Of Hand & Wrist Pain
- Swelling and redness of the fingers and wrists
- Difficulties making fists and gripping objects
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
- Sudden, sharp pain in the hand
- Warmth in a wrist joint
Please call your doctor if your wrist is warm and red and if you have a temperature over 38°C. These symptoms may indicate infectious (septic) arthritis, a serious illness. If you cannot move your wrist or your hand looks abnormal, you should also see your doctor right away. It could be a broken bone. Moreover, your doctor should evaluate wrist pain that worsens or interferes with your daily activities.
Treatments
Physiotherapy Treatments For You
01.
Ultrasound Treatment
03.
Dry Needling
05.
Electrical Stimulation
06.
Heat Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's About Hand & Wrist Pain
Why does my hand pain wake me up at night?
There are very few hand conditions that cause nighttime pain. The most common ones are carpal tunnel syndrome and infection. Infections that worsen can lead to hand pain as well. During sleep, blood pressure lowers and less oxygen reaches the hands. This results in carpal tunnel syndrome pain at night.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away on its own?
In certain circumstances, if it is mild and discovered early, carpal tunnel syndrome may resolve on its own with rest. Non-treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome can result in irreversible nerve and muscle damage. Early detection and therapy can drastically improve the disease outcome.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are unlikely to resolve on their own without taking action. However, surgery is not necessarily the only option. Conservative treatments may be recommended for early or mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as physical therapy, splints, stretching, and behavioural modification. In spite of the desire to avoid more invasive treatments, patients should be aware that if left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen and result in permanent nerve damage.
