Hand & Wrist Pain

The hand and wrist are both areas with an extremely intricate network of bones, ligaments, capsules, fascia, tendons and muscles, allowing for multiple axis of movement. It is through this that we can achieve great dexterity and complete such complex and skilled tasks (like throwing/catching/climbing) with pinpoint accuracy. We at Peak know and respect that an injury to the hand or wrist can restrict us performing the most basic of tasks, things that we take for granted every single day, and present a major inconvenience in day to day life, work and sport.

Acute injuries to the hand or wrist occur predominantly due to a fall on an outstretched hand, or a direct blow to the fingers/thumb and often present with:

• An obvious deformity of the hand or wrist, possibly coupled with lacerations
• Redness, bruising and swelling
• Pain & reduced mobility on wrist, finger & thumb movements
• Localised tenderness to touch over the area of the pathology
• Unusual clicks, clunks or snaps
• Weakness with grip.

Patients presenting with common overuse injuries, due to repetitive stress report:

• Pain after repeated movements, or excessive activity, when lifting, keying, mousing or writing
• Restricted wrist movements with stiffness dominating after a period of rest
• Pain with stretching wrist flexors and extensors
• Localised swelling & crepitus
• Pain aggravated by weight bearing activities, push ups and getting out of a chair
• Difficulty holding or gripping items
• Pins and needles or numbness into the thumb, fingers or palm.

Over the 6 years of treating here at Peak, we have understood that the above can be attributed to some of the following conditions:

• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) tears
• Scapho-lunate ligament sprains
• 1st MCP OA
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Trigger finger
• Palmar aponeurosis
• Fractures
• Skiers thumb

Given the reliance on our hands and wrists to perform and function all day long, if your hand or wrist pain is left untreated, it can – and will, become a long term problem. 

Your hand and wrist is an extremely delicate area with many bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves all working harmoniously to provide pain free strength and function. Should strain or damage occur to any of these tissues, pain and an inability to use and move your hand will normally follow. 

A lack of movement will then compound the existing problem, and you will be left with a stiff and sore hand.

It is obviously important to have your wrist/hand pain assessed by a skilled and experienced physiotherapist. We at Peak will be sure to provide you with a careful diagnosis, supported by the most up to date treatment and rehabilitation plan (to be commenced as early as possible), such that we can help you to get your hand back to optimal function sooner!