Wrist & Hand Pain

Wrist/hand pain is becoming increasingly common with the increasing amount of hours spent at a desk, participation in racket sports, and resistance training in the gym. Injuries to this region can come about through one major trauma or as a result of repetitive strain. 

Reptitive strain injury [RSI]

RSI is the term used to describe an overuse injury. Continuous repeated movements such as typing and using a mouse or prolonged postures cause strain, inflammation and damage to soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and tendon sheaths). RSI can affect a wide range of people from baristas to office workers to musicians. RSI commonly occurs at the wrist and elbow often leading to wrist/hand pain.

RSI (wrist/hand pain) symptoms include.

• Tightness, discomfort and stiffness
• Burning, aching or shooting pain
• Tingling, numbness and loss of sensation
• Tremors and clumsiness
• Fatigue
• Weakness especially in the hands or forearms
• Difficulty performing normal activities
• Chronically cold hands
• Hypersensitivity

What causes RSI?

RSI is usually caused by a combination of multiple factors. These can include but are not limited to

• Continuous repetitive movements
• Prolonged postures
• Not enough micro breaks
• Poor work ergonomics
• Lack of training
• Poorly fitting equipment

Treatment.

Acute cases of RSI are relatively simple to diagnosis and to treat successfully. Treatments include

• Chiropractic treatment, massage, adjustments, active release technique, dry needling, rehabilitation exercises
• Stopping or reducing the tasks or activities that are causing the injury.
• Altering the work environment and desk ergonomics

Common RSI conditions include carpal tunnel, golfers and tennis elbow

You can also read more information on golfers elbow and tennis elbow.

*DISCLAIMER: This discussion does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this discussion are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this discussion is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.