Wrist pain or injury is common and can usually be successfully diagnosed and treated by your physiotherapist. This can occur as a result of simply everyday arm use. In a world of computers, wrists are subjected to constant typing and using a mouse.
Our wrists also carry a lot of weight when performing upper body exercises, which puts a lot of strain on otherwise a very fine structure.
Some of the common causes of wrist pain/injuries are:
Wrist tendonitis – a relatively common overuse condition which may affect one or more wrist tendons and is characterised by tissue damage, pain and swelling of the affected tendons.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – presents with wrist and/or hand pain and pins and needle sensations. The Carpal Tunnel is a very small space between wrist bones, and the condition occurs when there is swelling in this area. A major change that happens during Carpal Tunnel is pressure change that is exacerbated by wrist movement, causing pain.
Bone Fractures or dislocations and instability
Capitate Fracture (Broken Wrist) – typically a consequence of a fall, the wrist is actually composed of eight small bones which can be broken. Typical symptoms include pain and tenderness towards the back of the wrist.
Scaphoid Fracture (Broken Wrist) – A Scaphoid fracture is not unlike a Capitate break and the two often occur together. The symptoms are similar, however in this instance pain is towards the direction of the thumb.
Arthritis, Muscle Strain, Overuse Injuries also cause wrist and hand pain.
Treatment
Michael Christofis has a number of techniques to facilitate the recovery of hand strength and dexterity. Hand and grip strength are worked through resistance training, gradually increasing said resistance as the hand recovers. These techniques are all used in treatment for Carpal Tunnel as well, and form the basis for physiotherapy of the wrist.
Wrist fractures are extremely painful and it is absolutely vital that full functionality is restored after treatment. After the initial treatment of placing the wrist in a cast, regular appointments with a physiotherapist will follow a regime of exercises. Cold therapy will be applied to reduce residual swelling, and a wrist support worn, at least initially, to reduce the risk of further injury.
With accurate assessment and early treatment, most wrist pain responds quickly to physiotherapy allowing you to quickly resume pain-free and normal activities of daily living.
Call Manjimup Physiotherapy today. 9777 1048