Causes of Wrist & Hand Pain
Cliff Russell is a Registered East Grinstead Osteopath with years of experience helping people with Wrist Pain. Wrist and hand pain can have a variety of causes, including:
Repetitive strain injuries: Repetitive motions, such as typing on a keyboard or using a mouse, can cause strains and inflammation in the tendons and muscles of the wrist and hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
Arthritis: Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints of the wrist and hand. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are all types of arthritis that can affect the wrist and hand.
Ganglion cysts: These are noncancerous lumps that develop on the wrist or hand. They are usually filled with fluid and can cause pain and discomfort.
Fractures and sprains: Injuries to the bones and ligaments in the wrist and hand can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is a condition that occurs when the tendons in the wrist or hand become inflamed. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Trigger finger: This is a condition that occurs when a tendon in the finger becomes inflamed and causes the finger to become stuck in a bent position.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis: This is a condition that occurs when the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed. This can cause pain and difficulty moving the thumb and wrist.
Raynaud's disease: This is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers and hands.
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that affects the hand and fingers. It is caused by the progressive thickening and tightening of the fascia, a layer of tissue that covers the tendons in the palm of the hand. Over time, this thickening can cause the fingers to curl inward and become stuck in a bent position, making it difficult to straighten them.
Dupuytren's contracture usually affects the ring finger and little finger, but it can also affect other fingers. The condition tends to progress slowly and may initially only cause a small lump or nodule in the palm of the hand. As the condition progresses, the fingers may become increasingly bent and difficult to move.
The cause of Dupuytren's contracture is not entirely understood, but it is more common in men over the age of 40 and in people with a family history of the condition. Certain factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, may also increase the risk of developing Dupuytren's contracture.
Treatment for Dupuytren's contracture depends on the severity of the condition and the degree of functional impairment. In mild cases, monitoring the condition and performing exercises to maintain hand flexibility may be sufficient. In more severe cases, treatment may involve surgery to remove the affected tissue and release the contracted fingers. Another treatment option is a minimally invasive procedure called collagenase injection, which involves injecting an enzyme to dissolve the thickened tissue.
Overall, Dupuytren's contracture can be a challenging condition to manage, but early detection and treatment can help prevent progression and maintain hand function.
Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that run through the wrist and hand can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area.
The treatment for wrist and hand pain depends on the underlying cause of the pain. In some cases, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications may be enough to relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, physical therapy, medication, or surgery may be necessary. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent wrist or hand pain or if your symptoms interfere with daily activities.
Come and see me with your wrist and hand pain problem at Osteostudio in Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead.
Cliff Russell, Registered Osteopath
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