Wrist & Hand pain
Pain or discomfort in the wrist or hand can have a significant impact on everyday activities such as gripping, lifting, typing or using tools. Symptoms may develop suddenly following an injury or gradually over time due to repetitive use, sustained positions or increased load through the arms.
Wrist and hand pain can arise from a range of contributing factors and it is important to consider how the hand, wrist and arm are working as a whole rather than in isolation.
Common contributors to wrist and hand pain
Tendon-related pain
Tendon-related problems can cause pain, swelling or discomfort with movement. These often develop with repetitive or sustained activities and may affect tendons that run from the forearm into the hand and fingers. Symptoms can include pain with gripping or pinching and localised tenderness.
Ligament sprains and strains
Ligament injuries commonly occur at the wrist, often following a fall onto an outstretched hand. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising and reduced movement. Early assessment can be helpful in supporting recovery and restoring function.
Nerve-related symptoms
Irritation or compression of nerves as they pass through the wrist can lead to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or pain in the hand or fingers. These symptoms may be worse at night or with certain activities and can be influenced by swelling, posture or repetitive use. Wrist symptoms can also be affected by changes further up the arm or neck.
Arthritic changes
Arthritic changes in the joints of the wrist or hand may contribute to pain, stiffness or reduced movement. As with other joints, these changes vary widely between individuals and do not always correlate directly with symptoms.
Osteopathic assessment and care
Osteopathic assessment for wrist and hand pain considers the movement and function of the hand and wrist alongside the forearm, elbow, shoulder, neck and upper back. This helps identify whether symptoms are being influenced by load transfer or movement patterns elsewhere.
Treatment may involve hands-on techniques to ease soft tissue tension, support joint mobility and improve movement patterns. Advice may also be given on activity modification, pacing, splinting or appropriate exercises where relevant.
Care is tailored to the individual and based on findings from assessment.
For more detail, you may find this article helpful:
Hand & wrist pain
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