Wrist and Hand Pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
This syndrome relates to nerve compression of the median nerve as it passes through the bones and ligaments of the wrist. It typically occurs as a reult of repetitive wrist movements (such as typing, banana picking or lots of push ups). Carpal tunnel syndrome will start with mild symptoms within the hand including feelings of pins and needles, cold hands, pain and reduced strength or fine motor control. Initial treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation, loosening up tight structures that might be contributing to the compression and activity modification. Sometimes carpal tunnel requires surgical release of the compressed structures. If surgery is required, physiotherapy is important after the operation to prevent scar tissue from the surgical incision sites further compressing structures and to regain full wrist range of motion and strength.
DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis
This is an overuse inflammatory condition affectiving the tendons at the base of the thumb into the wrist. It often results from repetitive activities that require movement of the thumb away from the hands such as looking after a baby, playing golf, office work and other repeated gripping activities. Physiotherapy treatment aims to decrease inflammation, reduce muscular tension, improve activity tolerance and improving mechanics. Occasionally bracing can help in the early stages of treatment to ease stressful and repetitive movements of the thumb.
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) injury
The TFCC is a weight bearing, supportive ligament which is found on the outside of the wrist. TFCC injuries usually result from trauma from falling onto an outstretched hand, however, can be as a result of chronic degenerative injury. When this ligament complex is injured, you may feel clicking, pain and weakness. Treatment of this injury is aided by specific braces which help to support the ligament complex and assist with reducing stress on the complex. Sometimes this injury is severe enough to require surgery.
Contact Free Movement Physio to book an appointment for a one on one consultation to discuss your wrist or hand concerns.