Hand and Wrist complaints

Hand Pain

It is very likely that at some point in life we are going to experience some hand pain, we use them every day and are therefore susceptible to injury from time to time. Hand pain can occur for a variety of reasons, a few of which are; sports (e.g sprains), overuse (e.g Muscle Strains), degenerative (Arthritis) and systemic conditions(e.g Raynaud’s Phenomenon).

Having your problem checked by a Chiropractor here at our clinic in Omagh will help you understand why the hand pain has come on in the first place and what the best options are as to how to manage it. Chiropractors are most well known for their work with the spine, what is less well known is that they also have extensive training with extremity muscle, joint and nerve injuries including most of the common causes of hand pain.

Hand pain symptoms

• Swelling
• Redness
• Popping, clunking, clicking, stiffness
• Pain at the joints of the fingers
• Weak and Tired Muscles
• Arm and shoulder Pain
• Tingling, Pins and Needles
• Wrist Pain
• Neck Pain and Stiffness

What to do if you have hand pain

Apply an Ice pack to the region regularly. The Chiropractor at the OmaghChiropractic Clinic will be able to diagnose, treat and advise you on your hand pain. Their aim is to get your hands functioning as best possible as soon as possible using manipulation, soft tissue techniques and a variety of progressed home and in clinic exercises and rehab plans. If the problem is not deemed treatable by a Chiropractor (such as with some systemic conditions), then we will refer you to another appropriate specialist

Wrist Pain

Wrist pain is something that can occur for multiple reasons, a few of which are sports (e.g wrist sprain), overuse (e.g Repetitive strain injury, RSI), systemic conditions (e.g Rheumatoid Arthritis) and trauma. The Chiropractor at our clinic here in Omagh will be able to determine the cause of wrist pain. A Chiropractor’s knowledge of the body is very extensive, they have in depth training in the causes of many problems that affect the muscles, bones and nerves of the whole body, not just the spine.

If the Chiropractor finds that they cannot help with the cause of your wrist pain, they will refer you as appropriate to another local recommended specialist. When a wrist pain problem is treatable, the Chiropractor will explain the reason for the pain, what they can do to help, provide a home and exercise plans, and also and ergonomic advice as necessary.

Common symptoms experienced with wrist pain:

• Stiff wrists and finger joints
• Hand pain
• Weak and tired muscles
• Arm and shoulder pain
• Temperature changes
• Numbness, tingling and pins and needles in the hand
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness

What to do if you Have Wrist pain

If you know what the cause of wrist pain is, then try applying an ice pack to the region regularly . If you do not know the cause and an ice pack has not worked, we would recommend seeing a Chiropractor at our clinic here in Omagh to see exactly what is going on at your wrist and to discuss what the best options are for you to get better.

The Chiropractor at the OmaghChiropractic Clinic will be able to advise you on your problem. Their aim is to get your wrist functioning as best possible as soon as possible using manipulation, soft tissue techniques and a variety of progressed home and in clinic exercises, home advice and rehab plans.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy-meaning a common condition where a nerve is trapped somewhere along its course. It is characterized by pain, numbness and/or tingling felt in the wrist and hand (specifically the palm side of the hand into the thumb and fingers-but not the little finger) or radiating pain up into the arm. The pain may become increased when the wrist is flexed or bent. The cause of this discomfort is irritation or damage to the median nerve. Along its course to the hand, the median nerve passes through a narrow and rigid tunnel (called the carpal tunnel) made of bone and ligament. Overuse of the wrist (as in sewing, playing piano, or repetitive activity) or injury to this tunnel may result in damage or irritation to the median nerve producing carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is also common in pregnancy due to fluid retention and hormonal changes. The median nerve may be compressed or entrapped anywhere along its path; you may be interested to know that there are 7 locations (in addition to the carpal tunnel) where the median nerve could be compressed. For this reason, it is important to establish the location of entrapment before treatment (especially if you are considering surgery).

How is Carpal tunnel syndrome Diagnosed?

In order to prevent permanent damage to the median nerve early diagnosis is essential.

The first (and perhaps most important) step is a thorough history and physical exam of the neck, shoulder, forearm, wrist and hand. Your chiropractors will also perform specific orthopedic and neurological tests that are effective in establishing a diagnosis. In order to confirm the diagnosis of CTS, a nerve conduction study may be performed. Other tests may include diagnostic your chiropractor might order include ultrasound and MRI.

What are the options for Carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly treated at Omagh Chiropractic. Our chiropractor offers  strategies that consist of manual therapy, therapeutic (stretching/strengthening) exercise, chiropractic manipulation and ergonomic assessment/advice. While at home, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is helpful. Also, your chiropractor may recommend a wrist brace to wear at night. Other conservative methods that are not provided at Omagh Chiropractic (but may be worth trying) are acupuncture and yoga. The most invasive, last resort for pain resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome is surgery. Even when surgery goes well (it is estimated that about 60% of surgeries result in full recovery), symptoms may return within two years. Complications from surgery include scarring, infection, pain, stiffness, loss of motion, and nerve damage. That being said, if you are suffering from CTS, explore conservative options first. So many patients have experienced the lasting benefits when attending  Omagh Chiropractic. We want you to join them-It’s your turn to experience relief!!

References

1. Bilecenoglu B, Uz A, Karalezli N. Possible anatomic structures causing entrapment neuropathies of the median nerve: an anatomic study. Acta Orthop Belg. 2005 Apr;71(2):169-76. Review.
2. Burke J, Buchberger DJ, Carey-Loghmani MT, Dougherty PE, Greco DS, Dishman JD. A pilot study comparing two manual therapy interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2007 Jan;30(1):50-61.
3. Brininger TL, Rogers JC, Holm MB, Baker NA, Li ZM, Goitz RJ. Efficacy of a fabricated customized splint and tendon and nerve gliding exercises for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007 Nov;88(11):1429-35.
4. Piazzini DB, Aprile I, Ferrara PE, Bertolini C, Tonali P, Maggi L, Rabini A, Piantelli S, Padua L. A systematic review of conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Clin Rehabil. 2007 Apr;21(4):299-314. Review.
5. Napadow V, Liu J, Li M, Kettner N, Ryan A, Kwong KK, Hui KK, Audette JF. Somatosensory cortical plasticity in carpal tunnel syndrome treated by acupuncture. Hum Brain Mapp. 2007 Mar;28(3):159-71.