Maintaining good hand and wrist health and function is important for performing our day to day lives. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and condition. Some conditions include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: the carpal tunnel is passage in the wrist where the muscles and nerve of the hand pass through. Compression of the median nerve through the carpal tunnel can cause symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand and wrist.
- Osteoarthritis: can cause inflammation and pain in the joints of the hand and wrist.
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. This is a painful condition that causes pain and swelling may also occur.
- Ganglion cysts: fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the hand or wrist.
- Fractures or sprains, which can occur in the bones or ligaments of the hand or wrist.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy involves assessing all the potential contributing factors for your hand and/or wrist pain and can include;
- Strategies and treatment to reduce pain and inflammation
- Muscle retraining and motor contol
- Strengthening exercise program
- Activity modifications
- Education and advice