Hand Pain

Hand pain refers to any type of discomfort or pain that is experienced in the fingers, palm, wrist, or forearm. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including overuse injuries, arthritis, nerve compression, and trauma. Symptoms of hand pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain, and may be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, or weakness. Hand pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as tingling or numbness in the fingers, difficulty gripping objects, or loss of hand function. If you are experiencing hand pain, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed as it passes through a narrow passageway known as the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand that houses the median nerve and several tendons. The compression of the median nerve can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. The symptoms may be worse at night and can interfere with daily activities such as typing, writing, or gripping objects. CTS can be caused by a variety of factors, including repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, arthritis, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or obesity. Treatment options for CTS may include wrist splinting, medication, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient needs.

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for CTS by addressing the underlying cause of the condition and providing targeted exercises and stretches to improve mobility, flexibility, and strength. A physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of CTS and develop a customized treatment plan to address it. The physical therapist may use manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, to reduce pain and inflammation in the wrist and hand. They may also provide specific exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the carpal tunnel and improve range of motion in the wrist and hand. Additionally, they may recommend ergonomic modifications to workstations or daily activities to reduce stress on the wrist and hand.

The goal of physical therapy is to not only reduce pain and symptoms of CTS but also improve hand function and prevent future injury. In some cases, physical therapy may be used as a conservative alternative to surgery for CTS. However, if the condition is severe, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Physical therapy can help alleviate hand pain by targeting the underlying cause of the pain and providing targeted exercises and stretches to improve mobility, flexibility, and strength. A physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the source of the pain and develop a customized treatment plan to address it. This may include manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, as well as specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in the hand and improve range of motion. The goal of physical therapy is to not only reduce pain but also improve hand function and prevent future injury.