A face-to-face consultation will allow for thorough investigation.
For Clarity and a Professional Assessment,
Book a Time to See Us
Common Conditions
Wrist Pain
The wrist is incredibly intricate, containing several small bones and many ligaments. There are 24 different tendons that cross over the wrist. Pain can be the result of a problem in one or several of these anatomical structures. In addition to the bones, ligaments and tendons, there are blood vessels and nerves.
Nerves spread out like tiny branches into all of the joints, ligaments and around the tendons. When there is inflammation in the wrist, nerves can become irritated through being swollen or even stretched.
Tiny movements might then become painful. Some people might have difficulty with specific movements such as a push-up or wringing out a towel.
Wrist pain can cause functional difficulty and stop you from performing crucial activities. Wrist movement is highly complex: if one part is not working at its best, it impacts the entire wrist’s performance.
Common
Symptoms
- Pain on the outside of the wrist with twisting actions.
- Pain in the middle part of the wrist with weight-bearing, like pushing off from the floor or a chair.
- General aching throughout the whole wrist after repetitive activity or being in the same position for too long.
How Can Our Hand Therapists Help?
We understand wrist anatomy and are trained to understand the intricacies of how the wrist works. We start by looking at the problem and systematically doing an assessment to identify the cause. If that is achieved, then we have a much better chance of successful treatment. Sometimes we trial a few different options before finding the best solution, meaning pain is rectified.
The selection and / or fabrication of a custom wrist support is commonly needed. We can determine if a very rigid support is likely to be better than something softer. Some people do not need support at all and benefit from advice about using their wrist in a particular way or modifying how things are done. We regularly tailor a strengthening program that is targeted for the problem.
Interesting Fact
Approximately 25% of all sporting injuries involve the hand or wrist (Avery et al., 2016). There are 8 carpal bones in the wrist and the scaphoid (near the thumb side) is the one which is most commonly injured.
Reference:
Avery, D.M., Rodner, C.M. & Edgar, C.M. (2016) Sports-related wrist and hand injuries: a review. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 11, 99
Examples of
Solutions to Try
- Take note of the aggravating positions and avoid them for a while if possible.
- Maintain a neutral wrist during any lifting activity. A neutral or straight wrist tends to put less strain on any injured parts of a wrist.
- Compression wrapping or taping can sometimes assist at reducing pain, if applied by hand therapists experienced in the techniques.
While these are general examples, our hand therapists will help match solutions best suited to your condition and specific needs.
For Clarity and a Professional Assessment,
We Help you Understand and Manage Pain
By providing real and honest information
- Customised solution to your actual needs
- Unbiased and independent opinion
- We consider multiple solutions
- We help you manage discomfort
Understanding, Knowing and
Managing Starts with a Consult
Some of the
Most Common
Upper Limb
Issues
