Hand/Wrist
Injuries to the hands and wrist are common. People use their hands a lot and that gives them many opportunities to injure them. During a fall, hands can be injured when they are used in an attempt to break the fall. Sports are a common source of injuries, especially among younger people. Falls are a more common source of problems among older people. Traumatic injuries can range from cuts and bruises to sprains to broken bones.
Another type of injury occurs through overuse of the hands and wrists. The wrist is made up of 8 small bones called carpals. Through this area runs a tube called the carpal tunnel that contains nerves and tendons. Tendinitis occurs when this tendon becomes irritated and inflamed. Symptoms of tendinitis includes pain, tenderness, and decreased strength and movement in the area.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the nerve that runs through the wrist (the median nerve). Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, weakness, numbness or pain that is felt in the fingers, thumb, hand and sometimes up the forearm.
This syndrome can be caused by anything that puts pressure on the median nerve. Common causes include pregnancy, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity. It can also be caused by overuse which causes swelling of surrounding tissue and puts pressure on the nerve. Repetitious activities of the hands and wrists that can cause carpel tunnel syndrome include typing, using tools (especially ones that vibrate), knitting or other activities that include repetitive twisting of the wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can often be treated by avoiding the activity that aggravated it. Applying ice to the area, wearing a wrist brace and taking anti-inflammatory medication can also help. If other solutions do not work, surgery can help to relieve the symptoms.