Wrist and hand pain
Wrist and hand pain is a frequent complaint, while the misuse and/or overuse of the wrist are the primary causes of wrist pain, there are many other causes a healthcare provider may investigate.
Here are the common causes for wrist and hand pain:
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common condition that can affect tendons in the wrist, causing pain around the wrist and at the base of the thumb. Pain normally eases with rest and can get worse with activity.
If you have de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, it can be painful to:
- Make a fist
- Grasp or hold objects
- Turn your wrist
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when there’s pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel.
Wrist pain and discomfort tend to be worse at night
A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience numbness and tingling in their palms, as well as their thumb, index, and middle finger. This can make it hard to grip objects.
- Ganglion cyst
A ganglion cyst is a benign, fluid-filled capsule that causes swelling and/or wrist pain.
Ganglion cysts usually do not require treatment. However, if the cyst is painful, interferes with function, or has an unacceptable appearance, there are several treatment options available.
- Wrist sprain
When a wrist sprain injury occurs, the ligaments of the wrist are stretched beyond their normal limits. This often occurs after a fall onto the hand.
Besides pain with movement of the wrist, other common symptoms of a wrist sprain include swelling around the joint, bruising or discoloration, or burning or tingling sensations known as paresthesia.
- Wrist fracture
A wrist fracture is a common orthopedic injury. This may occur due to an injury and/or in osteoporotic bone.
One common type of wrist fracture is a scaphoid fracture, which may arise from a fall on an outstretched hand.
Another common wrist fracture seen in osteoporotic bone is a distal end radius fracture (Colles fracture).
Both conditions can be treated conservatively or surgically depending on the severity.
Colles fracture
- Trigger finger/thumb
A trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your finger.
You might even need to use your other hand to straighten it. Occasionally, a finger/thumb may become too painful to straighten and may stay stuck in the same position.
Trigger finger most commonly affects the thumb, ring and middle finger. More than one finger can be affected at the same time.
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It can affect hands and wrists, particularly the joints at the ends of the fingers or the base of the thumb. It can cause bony lumps to develop on the hands, particularly on the fingers (Heberden’s nodes).
It can cause pain and stiffness, and make it difficult to use your hands and wrists properly.
Treatment
Most of the conditions can be treated conservatively by activity modification, medication, physiotherapy. If pain persists, doctor may recommend surgical intervention.
Activity modification
- Resting the wrist and hand.
- Avoid activities that could cause pain.
- Using a splint.
Medication
- Anti-inflammatory or analgesic painkillers
- Corticosteroid injection
Physiotherapy
- Pain management
- Exercises to prevent stiffness
Surgery
If conservative treatments fail, your doctor may recommend for surgery.
Most of the surgery can be performed as a daycare surgery.
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