The wrist and hand are complexe structures that see a great deal of wear and tear. Comprising of a total of 19 bones, the wrist and hand are supported by ligaments, muscles and nerves to ensure proper functioning. All these structures are at risk of injury given the appropriate stress. Falls are one of the most common reasons for hands and wrist injuries. Repetitive movements and stress is also a common reason for injury or dysfunction at this area of the body. Nevertheless, other problems may affect the wrist and hand, such as: arthritis, ligament tears, bone fractures, inflamatory/autoimmune conditions and avascular necrosis to name a few.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you have numbness or tingling in your hand you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms– Carpal tunnel symdrome can cause numbness, tingling, weakness and pain of the hand.
Causes/Risk factors– The condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist carpal tunnel. Repetitive motion, especially at the workplace, is the primary risk factor associated with this condition. Anatomical factors (fracture/dislocation), being female, certain diseases, inflammatory conditions, body fluid changes and obesity are also risk factors. Generally, a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of the condition.
Treatment options– Early management can help prognosis. Management strategies that can be implemented right away include, taking more-frequent breaks, avoiding activities that make symptoms worse and using ice to manage the inflammation and reduce swelling. Splinting may also be used. Some conservative therapies may be extremely useful in managing carpal tunnel syndrome such as acupuncture, laser/ photobiomodulation therapy and instrument assisted soft tissue therapy. However, if symptoms have been present for 10 months or more, the expected prognosis is worse.
DeQuervain Syndrome
De Quervain tendinitis is caused when one or both tendons that run from back of your thumb down the side of your wrist are inflamed, swollen and/or irritated.
Symptoms- Pain and stiffness on the back of your thumb when you make a fist, grab something, or turn your wrist. You may also notice numbness in the thumb and index finger, swelling of the wrist and popping of the wrist tendons.
Causes/ Risk factors- De Quervain tendinitis is often caused by repetitive stress applied to the wrist and thumb. Playing sports such as tennis, golf, or rowing and playing video games can aggravate this condition.
Treatment options- Frequent breaks, avoiding activities that make symptoms worse and using ice to manage the inflammation and reduce swelling. Splinting may also be used. Acupuncture, laser/ photobiomodulation therapy and instrument assisted soft tissue therapy can also help improve the prognosis.
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury (TFCC)
The TFCC is located between the bones of the forearm and wrist and serves to stabilizes the bones in the wrist and act as a shock absorber. The TFCC may be injured during a fall on an outstretched hand.
Symptoms- Pain and clicking with wrist movements on the pinky side of wrist. Your wrist may catch or not be able to produce smooth movements and may also feel weak and unstable.
Causes/ Risk factors- The TFCC is often injured during a fall on an outstretched hand. However, repetitive movements can also lead to TFCC irritation.
Treatment Options- The treatment administered will depend on the severity of the injury. With mild injuries conservative treatments can help manage and reduce disability associated witht his condition. However, if the injury is severe a referal to another help practitioner (surgeon) may be warranted.