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Get a Handle on Hand and Wrist Pain


Blog by Dr. Michael Horowitz | April 13th, 2017


What causes pain in the wrists and hands? We use our hands for almost every task; we lift, grab, pull, push, type, and squeeze just to name a few. It is no wonder that with so much use over time, that we all experience some degree of pain in our hands or wrists. Your hands, fingers, or wrists may sting, burn, ache, or feel numb, stiff, hot, or cold. For as many movements as your hands are capable of, there are about as many resulting injuries, so in this blog article we will cover a few of the most common. Wrist and hand pain can be caused by injury, repetitive movements, or overuse. Common overuse problems include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinosis, repetitive motion syndrome, and writer’s cramps.

wrist pain.jpgCarpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, causing a numbness, weakness, or tingling in the fingers or hand. Tendinosis causes tendon pain, and this is the result of micro tears in the tissue in or around the tendons of the wrist. Repetitive motion syndrome describes symptoms of pain, swelling, or tenderness that result from repeating the same motion over and over, while writer’s cramps refer to aches brought on from repeated hand or finger motion, such as writing or typing.

Cysts are another common issue in the hands and wrists, and these small fluid filled sacs can cause pain and limit the range of movement in the wrists. Medical conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even infections can also cause pain in the hands or wrists. For those dealing with mild to severe wrist or hand pain, chiropractic treatment can help with pain management.

Depending on the cause of your wrist pain, a chiropractor may perform a series of adjustments or manipulations to the wrist joints. This can help to mobilize the wrist or decompress compressed nerves, relieving pain or any numbness felt in the wrists or hands. A chiropractor may also proscribe stretches and exercises aimed to strengthen and mobilize the wrist. All of these techniques can be used in conjunction with cold therapy to help reduce any inflammation and ultimately manage and relieve pain. In addition to stretching and chiropractic treatment, massage therapy is an effective way to ease wrist and hand pain as well. If you are experiencing wrist or hand pain, give us a call today to set up an appointment, or book online.

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