Wrist and Hand Pain

Some causes of wrist and hand pain are similar to those of the elbow pain; Overuse (Repetitive Strain injury – for e.g. inflammation of the tendon which attaches to the thumb, known as DeQuerins Tenosynovitis), referred pain, wear and tear, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Referred pain – pain at the wrist and hand can come from the elbow especially when there are injuries to the forearm muscles, or the shoulder and neck regions.

Repetitive Strain injuries – wrist is the most common area for these injuries. They result in stiffening of the joints as well as inflammation of the wrist joints and some tendons.
Wear and tear – This is usually more common in the wrist and the hand than in the elbow despite the fact that all the joints are non – weight bearing. This is because the hand and wrist are used all the time, with everything we do and the weight of objects we may carry strain the wrist and hand joints.

Hands and Wrists are commonly affected by Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – This is caused by a nerve irritation that creates swelling of the soft tissues within the area of the wrist. If you have an old wrist or neck injury or if you have had repetitive wrist or elbow or shoulder movements, you could be at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Traditional treatments of carpal tunnel syndrome include the use of medication, wrist supports, steroid injections and surgery. Chiropractic can be of some help with the pain and discomfort arising from this syndrome.