The wrist and hand is a complex network of muscles, tendons and nerves that allows us to use our hands so skilfully in everyday activities. But such fine motor control and the repetitive nature of our lives these days means that the hand and wrist are common sources of pain and injury. Mostly wrist and hand problems are easily diagnosable and often it is possible to achieve a safe and speedy return to work or sports activity.
The most common types of wrist and hand problems are:
Falls onto a hand or wrist that do not result in fractures may cause an overstretch or tear of the capsule or ligaments around the wrist joint resulting in a sprain. This trauma of capsule/ligaments will result in local swelling and tenderness and pain and loss of range of movement can follow.
Other wrist injuries can be caused by overuse - Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) are terms that include many different arm, wrist and hand injuries. Many factors acting together lead to RSI including repetition, holding your muscles in the same position for a long time, poor equipment, long work hours and insufficient breaks.
The common cause of all RSI type conditions is damage to muscles, tendons, nerves through repeated micro-trauma. Whenever muscles are used, tiny tears can occur in muscle tissue. This cyclic nature of RSI means the condition gets progressively worse if sufficient rest is not taken.
Your physiotherapist will explain your injury and what they can do to help you.
Call (02) 8970 8215 or Book Online and have your wrist pain treated by a qualified Physiotherapist.