Wrist pain can manifest due to various causes, such as sprains, strains, fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendinitis.
Arthritis
A medical term for “Joint Swelling” also commonly referred to as Osteoarthritis. There are a variety of causes for Joint Swelling ranging from sudden forces (acute injury) to a more gradual wear as a result of improper or excessive use (chronic onset). The result of Arthritis is often painful loss of wrist and hand motion, muscle weakness, and difficulty performing normal activities of Daily Life.
Tendinitis
A tendon is a structure that attaches a muscle to a bone. It allows larger muscles to reach smaller spaces giving us greater strength with a significant increase in efficiency (excellence in design). Tendinitis simply means that the tendon is inflamed, “Tendon Swelling”. This happens typically as the result of excessive force or wear.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The Carpal Tunnel is the name given to a tunnel in the front of the wrist where the many tendons and main nerves of the hand pass through. Repetitive strain or trauma can cause a swelling of these structures. Since they are forced to pass through the tunnel any swelling can result in a squeezing of the tendons and nerves as they pass through. Excessive squeezing on these structures can cause even more swelling and more squeezing and a vicious cycle of pain and impairment can ensue.
5 typical symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Pain are:
Weakness when gripping objects with one or both hands.
Pain or numbness in one or both hands.
“Pins and needles” feeling in the fingers.
Swollen feeling in the fingers.
Burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers.
Muscle and Tendon strain
A strain is an injury that occurs when a level of force is applied to part of the body that causes a deformation that does not recover when the force is removed. It often results when a muscle or a tendon is stretched too far. This happens typically as the result of excessive force load or when force is applied too rapidly. It is commonly called a “pulled muscle” or a “pulled tendon”.
Post Fracture Rehabilitation
A fracture is a break or a crack in a bone. Fractures can range from simple cracks to very large traumatic breaks. While a smaller crack may heal on its own, more significant trauma could require surgical intervention for proper repair of the bony structure. Regardless of the severity, fracture treatment typically involves a period of immobilization, either with a cast, splint or with an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery. While physiotherapy does not typically engage in aiding bony repair it is invaluable in dealing with the consequences of immobilization. The two most common consequences of immobilization are weakness and reduced range of motion. Physiotherapists are amongst the most capable professionals at resolving these two impairments. Once cleared by their Family Doctor post fracture rehabilitation is best done as early as is safely possible.
Our physiotherapy approach at Newcastle Village Physiotherapy involves a comprehensive physical assessment by the most experienced team of Physiotherapists in the Newcastle area. We are very familiar with the strength and mobility requirements of the wrist and are well versed in the proper management of wrist pain and impairment.
Once assessed an individualized plan will be created just for you. Together we will work as a team to rebuild your joint utilizing strengthening, stretching and manual therapy, mobility exercises, and education on protecting your Wrist.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to book an appointment today.