Blog Layout

Ouch! My Wrist Hurts!

Besides our feet, our hands are one of the most frequently used body parts. In this age of technology, we spend so much time typing, the hand and wrist can become a typical source of pain and dysfunction. The anatomy of the hand has 19 bones, while the "wrist bone" is actually a collection of 10 different bones. Some of the wrist's carpal bones attach to the forearm, while others connect to the hand itself.

These bones are provided movement by a complex network of ligaments and tendons. Simultaneously, smooth, pain-free movement occurs through a combination of cartilage and synovial fluid. The "Carpal Tunnel" refers to nerves running through the space between the wrist bones. When overused, the tissues around these joints (tendons, ligaments, nerves, fascia, and blood vessels) create a system that can experience damage.

Wrist pain is commonly experienced due to:

• Dislocation or fracture - A fracture in the hand or wrist can be very painful and may require emergency surgery to repair. Dislocation of the fingers is referred to as an acute hand injury.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – This syndrome occurs when the nerve (known as the median nerve) becomes pinched ,resulting in the difficulty of giving commands to the thumb, and the first three fingers. The swelling is caused by repetitive motions that strain the wrist's tendons or ligaments. Individuals with smaller carpal tunnels may be at a higher risk of developing this syndrome.

• Arthritis - This condition is described as painful swelling and stiffness in the joints of the hand. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. When the cartilage between the bone ends deteriorates, individuals are left with crippling pain in the fingers or thumbs. Age or injury can both cause arthritis.

• Trigger finger- Also known as Stenosing tenosynovitis, can cause one of one or more fingers to get "stuck" so that they cannot straighten out. This condition occurs as a result of inflammation in the sheaths around a finger tendon.

• De Quervain's tendinitis- De Quervain's tendinitis is a specific type of tendon inflammation that occurs toward the thumb's base. Overuse of the thumb or previous wrist fractures can make increase vulnerability to this injury.

By applying chiropractic adjustments to the wrists and arms joints, Dr. Vollrath will restore normal, natural movement to the injured hand and wrist.

If you're struggling with wrist pain and want relief, call Core Chiropractic Center to book a consultation today.

< Older Post Newer Post >