What is it?
Although not always, elbow pain is often due to tendonitis. Commonly called golfers elbow (on the inside of the elbow) or tennis elbow (on the outside of the elbow), this injury involves damage to the tendon complex the connects the forearm muscles to the upper arm bone. There are many small muscles that control our hand and wrist the join to create only connection to the far end of the upper arm bone. The repetitive movements that we do daily on our phones and computers can add up and damage this tendon.
There are many reasons for wrist pain. One of these reasons is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is when there is a nerve compressed as it crosses from the arm into the hand. With this syndrome, one often complains of wrist and hand pain and will often have numbness and tingling in the thumb and first two fingers. Tendonitis can also occur at the wrist. This is usually pain on the back of the hand and is due to wear on the small tendons of the fingers and wrist. Commonly, this is felt as pain in the distal part of the forearm and into the hand. Most people also complain that the hand is weak, and they are frequently dropping things. The third most common cause is cartilage damage at the wrist usually due to a fall. This presents as a sharp pain as you extend your wrist. Other injuries can occur at the wrist including fractures and sprains. A thorough assessment is essential to determine the cause of your problem.
Hand pain is also common. This pain can be referred from the injuries that are occurring at the wrist and elbow. However, there are some dysfunctions that occur to the hand. These include sprains and dislocations of the small finger joints, commonly called “jamming” the finger. Client complaints can also involve arthritis or trigger fingers.
There are many reasons for wrist pain. One of these reasons is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is when there is a nerve compressed as it crosses from the arm into the hand. With this syndrome, one often complains of wrist and hand pain and will often have numbness and tingling in the thumb and first two fingers. Tendonitis can also occur at the wrist. This is usually pain on the back of the hand and is due to wear on the small tendons of the fingers and wrist. Commonly, this is felt as pain in the distal part of the forearm and into the hand. Most people also complain that the hand is weak, and they are frequently dropping things. The third most common cause is cartilage damage at the wrist usually due to a fall. This presents as a sharp pain as you extend your wrist. Other injuries can occur at the wrist including fractures and sprains. A thorough assessment is essential to determine the cause of your problem.
Hand pain is also common. This pain can be referred from the injuries that are occurring at the wrist and elbow. However, there are some dysfunctions that occur to the hand. These include sprains and dislocations of the small finger joints, commonly called “jamming” the finger. Client complaints can also involve arthritis or trigger fingers.
What can be Done?
After a complete assessment to determine the cause of your pain, a plan is developed around your goals.
Treatment for the hand will often involve education and strategies to change ergonomics. This means the creating a safe computer and work environment. Suggestions for safe use of your phone will also be made. Following these guidelines will reduce your pain and allow the damaged structures to heal.
Massage and manual therapy will be used to restore movement and decrease pain. Modalities such as Ultrasound and Acupuncture can also be helpful. As always, active exercise is critical to develop strength and return function to the joint.
Treatment for the hand will often involve education and strategies to change ergonomics. This means the creating a safe computer and work environment. Suggestions for safe use of your phone will also be made. Following these guidelines will reduce your pain and allow the damaged structures to heal.
Massage and manual therapy will be used to restore movement and decrease pain. Modalities such as Ultrasound and Acupuncture can also be helpful. As always, active exercise is critical to develop strength and return function to the joint.