Wrist and Hand Pain Therapy and Treatment in Toronto and Scarborough
Suffering From Hand or Wrist Pain? Toronto Physio Therapy Can Help – Book an Appointment Today!
At one point or another in your life you have probably experienced hand or wrist pain. In fact, this pain is very common and affects people of all ages. The wrist alone is incredibly complex, it is made up of 15 bones, 17 ligaments, 24 tendons, three nerves, two major arteries — and is therefore highly prone to injury.
A large majority of the hand and wrist injuries that we treat are traumatic, with a very common cause of the injury having been a fall forward with an outstretched arm. The following section will describe some hand & wrist injuries and how they can develop and be treated.
Common Injuries Involving the Wrist and Hand
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Wrist Fractures
- Osteoarthritis Hand/Fingers
- De Quervain Tenosynovitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In the hand and forearm, carpal tunnel syndrome frequently results in tingling, numbness, and pain. The disorder develops when the median nerve, one of the main nerves that supply the hand, gets pinched or compressed as it passes through the wrist. There are many different causes for carpal tunnel, which can include increased pressure on the nerve from repetitive hand use or consistent activities that involve extreme flexion or extension of the hand and wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome typically becomes worse with time for patients. If left untreated for an extended period of time, it may result in irreversible hand dysfunction, including weakening and a lack of feeling in the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome must therefore be identified and treated as soon as possible.
Chiropractors at Toronto Physio Therapy are highly skilled in recognizing this condition and in providing the most optimal care. Patients are traditionally advised by their chiropractor to wear a wrist splint while sleeping, to do physiotherapy in order to keep the nerve mobile and to undergo shockwave and laser therapy, which have all been seen to provide relief. However, in some cases surgery may be required to treat Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Wrist Fractures
Wrist fractures are extremely common and are typically caused by FOOSH which means,“fall on an outstretched hand.” “Although FOOSH is not the only cause for wrist fractures, it is the most major one.” Wrist fractures generally cause immediate pain, swelling and tenderness. The area may appear bruised or discoloured.
Treatments for wrist fractures tend to vary greatly depending on the exact region of the fracture and the severity but can include physiotherapy, chiropractic care and often wearing a padded splint at first will be advised in order to align the bones and support the wrist. Delaying treatment for a wrist injury might impede your recovery and result in long-term issues. If you have worries about a wrist injury, be evaluated and treated by a chiropractor.
Osteoarthritis Hand/Fingers
The hand is a common site for osteoarthritis. The four areas of a hand that are commonly attacked by osteoarthritis include; The base of your thumb, where your thumb meets your wrist, your knuckles, the middle joints of your fingers, the top joint of your fingers nearest your nails.
The Arthritis Foundation has reported that almost half of all women and nearly one-quarter of all men will describe that they are experiencing the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis (OA) by the age of 85. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the tissues of a joint. Your bones’ ends have a layer of smooth tissue called cartilage. Your joints benefit from the cushioning, which makes them slide more readily.
However, the cartilage deteriorates over time. The painful symptoms of OA are brought on by the bones rubbing against one another. This rubbing can also produce Inflammatory cells, further damaging the joint. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is a chronic disease and there is no cure.
But, there are many treatments that can help manage your symptoms, provide relief and keep you active. These treatments include doing hand exercises guided by a physiotherapist. Chiropractic care to relieve pressure on the joints and stop arthritis related muscle tenderness by manipulating the muscles and soft tissues in the surrounding area.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a highly uncomfortable and painful condition that affects the tendons in your wrist. It occurs when the two tendons that surround the thumb’s base swell. The swelling causes the sheaths (casings) covering the tendons to become irritated and inflamed. This creates pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in pain and numbness. Chronic wrist overuse is the primary cause of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Day after day, repetitive motions such as continuously lifting a child into a car seat, irritate and inflame the area. Chiropractors will traditionally use a simple test called the Finkelstein test, which involves bending your thumb and moving your wrist in order to diagnose the condition. If it is determined that you are suffering from De Quervain tenosynovitis treatment to reduce the pain and swelling will include, applying heat or ice to the affected area, resting the area and undergoing laser therapy.
Our Toronto based physiotherapy clinics can demonstrate ways to move to reduce future aggravation in the affected area. This can reduce stress on your wrist. They can also teach you exercises to strengthen your muscles.
Book a Consultation Today!
Are you looking for wrist and hand pain treatment in Midtown Toronto or Scarborough? Our injury rehabilitation clinics are conveniently located at Bloor & Dufferin in Toronto or Eglinton & Kennedy Rd in Scarborough.
At Toronto Physio Therapy, we offer physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other injury rehabilitation services that are covered by your health insurance.
