Every small movement might be excruciating if you have pain in your hand, wrist, or elbow. We understand that having upper extremity pain can rob you of your joy. We would like to help you heal and regain your activities for work, fun , and life!
Common Causes Of Upper Extremity Pain
Do you know exactly how you injured yourself and when the pain began, or do it come on without warning? Many people don’t notice when they have injured themselves, they only notice the pain that comes after the injury!
Below are some of the common causes of hand, wrist, and elbow pain.
Tendinitis:
Tendinitis is known as an “overuse injury,” because it develops over time. It can occur when tendons become inflamed, resulting in swelling and pain, especially with movement of the affected area.
Fracture:
Fractures in the wrist and forearm area are common injuries associated with falls, as the natural response is to try and catch yourself. During the healing phase, the fingers, wrist, and elbow become very stiff, and range of motion and strength can be lost.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
The carpal tunnel is a thin canal positioned beneath the palm of your hand on your wrist. Its job is to keep the median nerve and the tendons that allow you to bend your fingers safe.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve, which causes crowding and irritation of the carpal tunnel. Numbness, stiffness, or pain can radiate through your fingers, hands, wrists, or forearms as a result of this illness. We will treat your carpal tunnel issues safely and comfortably at Beyond Therapy & Wellness so you can avoid surgery.
Nerve injuries:
If you injured one of the nerves that run through your elbow, forearm, wrist, or hand, you may be experiencing numbness, tingling, or loss of temperature sensations. In severe cases, muscle function is altered and paralysis can occur. Nerve injuries are usually caused by overuse and result in swelling. Swelling inhibits proper circulation, affecting the ability of the nerve to function properly.
Tennis elbow:
Tennis elbow is a common term for lateral (outside) epicondylitis. It happens with repetitive tasks that often involve gripping and extending the wrist such as when holding a tennis racket, paintbrush, or hammer. Severe tenderness will be present around the outside of your elbow and can cause pain with gripping objects, lifting objects, and twisting of the forearm.
Golfer’s elbow:
The term “golfer’s elbow” refers to medial (inside) epicondylitis. It’s like tennis elbow, but the discomfort is on the inside of the elbow. Overuse of the muscles that flex your wrist and fingers causes discomfort, which leads to this injury.
Sprain / Strain:
Sprains and strains are very common in the hand, wrist, and elbow and can occur from a quick overstretching of the tissues. This over stretching can cause a tear, which then triggers swelling, causing pain and challenges in movement.