Everything You Need to Know about Wrist and Hand Pain
Wrist Pain
Wrist pain refers to discomfort, pain, or inflammation in the wrist area. The wrist is a complex joint that connects the hand to the forearm, consisting of various bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Wrist pain can result from many causes and may be acute or chronic.
Some common causes of wrist pain include:
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Strains and Sprains: Overuse or sudden movements can cause strains or sprains in the wrist, leading to pain and swelling.
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Fractures: A break or fracture in any of the bones in the wrist, such as the radius or ulna, can cause significant pain.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
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Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, can occur in the wrist and cause pain. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a specific type of tendonitis that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
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Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the wrist joint.
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Ganglion Cysts: These are non-cancerous lumps filled with fluid that can develop along the tendons or joints of the wrist, causing pain or discomfort.
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Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as typing or using a mouse for long periods, can lead to RSIs and wrist pain.
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Infections and Injuries: Wrist pain can also result from injuries, infections, or inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Hand Pain
Hand pain is a general term that encompasses discomfort, soreness, or unpleasant sensations in the hand, fingers, or wrist. The pain can be acute or chronic and may result from various causes.
Some common causes of hand pain include:
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Trauma or Injury: Strains, sprains, fractures, or other injuries to the hand can lead to pain. This might occur due to falls, accidents, or direct impact.
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Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the joints of the hand.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist, can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
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Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, can occur in the hand and lead to pain. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a specific type that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
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Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage, often associated with conditions like diabetes, can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and feet.
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Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Overuse of the hand in repetitive motions, such as typing or using handheld devices extensively, can result in RSIs and hand pain.
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Ganglion Cysts: Non-cancerous lumps filled with fluid can develop along the tendons or joints of the hand, causing pain or discomfort.
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Infections: Infections in the hand, such as cellulitis or abscesses, can lead to pain, swelling, and redness.
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Raynaud's Disease: A condition that affects blood flow to certain parts of the body, including the fingers and hands, causing pain and color changes in the skin.
How Does a Chiropractor Treat Wrist and Hand Pain?
Chiropractic treatment of wrist and/or hand pain starts with reducing inflammation initially. This can be done with a variety of techniques. Rehabilitation exercises for the hand and wrist are typically incorporated as well to improve strength and function.