Wrist and hand pain is quite a common complaint. Sometimes it can come and go quickly, while other times it can linger for longer than expected, affecting your day to day living. We use our wrists and hands for many of our everyday activities so when a problem occurs, it can be debilitating as well as extremely frustrating.
The wrist is a complex joint, made up of eight small carpal bones attached to the two long bones of the forearm, the ulna and radius. Wrist injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can result from sudden traumatic injuries, while more long-term problems can result from repetitive stress, overuse or wear and tear from aging.
Common Symptoms
- Pain that is dull, stabbing, sharp, or electrical in nature
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand or fingers
- Reduced ability to grip or hold objects
- Pain in the hand, thumb and/or fingers
- Stiffness and reduced mobility
Common Conditions That Cause Wrist & Hand Pain
Hand and Wrist Osteoarthritis
Discomfort felt at the base of the thumb can often be due to arthritis. The thumb is the most common location of arthritis in the hand, however arthritis can also occur in the wrist and finger joints. Arthritis is progressive wear and tear on the joints, causing the cartilage that acts as a lubricant to break down, resulting in inflammation and pain.
Visit our Wrist and Hand Osteoarthritis Page to learn more.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Inflammation and swelling of the tendon and it’s surrounding tissue (tendon sheath) on the thumb side of the wrist. Pain can be felt anywhere along the thumb and up the forearm.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
A contracture of the tissues on the palm of the hand causing the fingers to bend and unable to fully straighten.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve in the wrist that usually develops over time from repetitive stress or overuse. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness of the hand and fingers.
Tendonitis
Small tears in the tendon that cause inflammation, swelling and pain, as well as weakness and decreased range of motion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The wrist is a common location for this inflammatory condition, where the immune system attacks it’s own tissues causing chronic inflammation, swelling and pain in the affected areas.
Soft Tissue Injury
Irritation or damage to the muscles, tendons and/or ligaments in the hand from trauma or repetitive stress.
Hand Fracture
A break in one or more bones of the hand.
Wrist Fracture
A break in one or more of the bones of the wrist, usually the ulna, radius or one of the eight small carpal bones. A scaphoid fracture is a break of the carpal bone at the base of the thumb and can be a more complex condition.
Wrist Sprain
An injury to the ligaments which are thick, ropey tissue surrounding/stabilizing joints and connecting bone to bone. Sprains range from mild to severe and can sometimes be mistaken for a fracture.
Cold Laser Therapy for Wrist & Hand Pain
Decreases Inflammation:
Speeds up the body's natural inflammation phase and induces the repair phase of healing.
Stimulates Blood Flow: Increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients required for healing of the affected cells.
Removes Scar Tissue: Inhibits and removes scar tissue that naturally forms after an injury and can cause discomfort and a delay in healing.
Regenerates Muscle Tissue: Transfers light energy to the affected cells of muscle, regenerating and strengthening damaged muscle tissue to prevent future injury.
Activates Cartilage Production: Promotes the natural cartilage growth process by increasing the production of cellular energy (ATP).
Accelerates Bone Repair: Simulates the bone cells to replicate and produce new healthy bone tissue.
Nerve Regeneration: Helps damaged nerves to recover by growing the neural network and repairing vital insulation around the nerve.
Visit our Cold Laser Therapy Page to learn more about how the treatment works.