Hand/Wrist Pain

What Causes Hand and Wrist Pain?

Pain in the hands or wrists is often the result of an injury or repetitive motion. Many people experience hand or wrist pain because of common health conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Osteoarthritis affects more than 50 million American adults and often causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the hands. If you have arthritis, you may have trouble moving your fingers or picking up objects. Your knuckles and joints may look red or swollen.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause pain in the hands and wrists. Your fingers may tingle or feel numb. You may also feel shooting pains or a sensation like an electric shock. Many people with carpal tunnel feel that their hands are clumsy or that it's become more difficult to perform familiar tasks.

How is Hand and Wrist Pain Treated?

Your treatment plan will depend on the exact cause of your pain. Hand and wrist pain resulting from an injury should always be reported to a doctor. You may need additional tests to determine if you have broken a bone or torn a ligament.

Conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are sometimes treated with surgery or medication. Many cases of hand or wrist pain can be successfully treated with physical therapy.

Physical therapy helps relieve your pain, reduce swelling, and correct joint stiffness. If you're recovering from a hand or wrist surgery, physical therapy can also be a crucial part of your recovery. Physical therapy improves post-surgical outcomes and helps you regain healthy joint function.

How Does Physical Therapy Help with Hand and Wrist Pain?

The physical therapists at Results Physical Therapy offer an integrated approach, using many different therapeutic techniques to achieve the best possible outcome for every patient.  

Physical therapy focuses on building up your range of motion through flexibility maneuvers and stretching. Your physical therapist will also show you exercises that help you build muscle strength.

Each patient receives a unique treatment plan designed to address their individual symptoms.  Treatment at Results Physical Therapy may include manual adjustments, massage, or aquatic therapy. Your physical therapist may also use heat or ice treatments to help relieve your pain.

If your hand and wrist pain interfere with your life, call Results Physical Therapy today, or make an appointment online.