Common causes
- Repetitive strain injury , caused by repetitive motion and overuse (e.g. computer and mouse use)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tenosynovitis de Kervins caused by overuse of the thumb
- Dislocated wrist or fingers
- Wear and tear of hand and wrist joints due to osteoarthritis.
- Referral pain, cramps or "pins and needles" from the neck
What are the main causes of wrist pain?
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness and a "pins and needles" sensation in the arm. This condition occurs when there is compression (pinching) of one of the large nerves of the hand - the median nerve - in the wrist area. Carpal tunnel syndrome worsens over time, making its early diagnosis and treatment important. In the beginning, the symptoms can be managed simply by avoiding certain movements or tightening the wrist with a cast.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis
De Quervain's tenosynovitis or also stenosing tenosynovitis of the thumb is a painful condition that affects the tendon of the m. extensor pollicis brevis and m. abductor pollicis longus, which run through the first dorsal groove of the wrist. The condition occurs most commonly after the age of 30. Women are affected more often than men. It is also a common condition in many athletes. Often the affliction is the result of rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that affects the joints. It manifests itself by altering the joint in a way that causes very severe pain with every movement. This, in itself, is accompanied by restriction in movement in order to have less pain. In the simplest terms, it is a wasting of the joint.
How osteopathy can help with wrist and hand pain?
The osteopath can assess what is causing the pain in your wrist or hand and, if necessary, carry out treatment and give you advice.
Therapy may include massage, joint mobilisation, stretching and advice on exercises to do at home.
In addition to direct treatment of the wrist and hand, we can also work on the arm, shoulder and upper back if assessment reveals contributing factors in these areas.