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Having Elbow or Wrist Pain? A Guide to Physiotherapy Treatment for Relief
Strained or Inflamed Causes, Symptoms and Relief Treatment
Experiencing Elbow or Wrist pain?
If you participate in sports, hobbies, or jobs that involve repetitive arm movements, you may be more likely to experience pain in your elbows and wrists. This pain often stems from overuse or strains in the muscles and joints. Physiotherapy can help alleviate discomfort in these areas.
The elbow is a robust joint that typically resists degenerative conditions like arthritis; however, elbow pain is often the result of injuries or overuse. In contrast, the wrist consists of numerous small joints, bones, muscles, and ligaments that connect to the fingers and forearm. Wrist pain, like elbow pain, usually occurs due to overuse, injuries, or strain.
What is Physiotherapy for Elbow and Wrist Pain?
Physiotherapists specialize in human anatomy and have expertise in muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
The goal of physiotherapy for elbow and wrist pain is to alleviate discomfort and address the underlying condition through techniques such as manual therapy, manipulation, and targeted exercises. This approach does not involve medication or surgery; however, our physiotherapists can refer you to a specialist and collaborate with them if needed.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, it’s essential to seek treatment or advice from a qualified doctor or physiotherapist before the condition worsens, feel free to contact us.
Common causes for elbow & wrist pain that we treat
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow occurs when the tight band of tendons in the forearm muscles repeatedly rubs against the bony prominence on the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) during the bending and straightening of the arm.
Think of it like a tight rope being rubbed over a rock, snapping back and forth. Over time, the fibers become frayed and ultimately fail. This process is similar to many degenerative tendon issues, including tennis elbow.
As a result, micro-tears develop in the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, or “stenosing tenosynovitis,” is one of the leading causes of hand disability. It is characterized by pain and the locking of fingers, resulting from issues with the tendons and tendon sheath. Interestingly, it commonly affects two distinct age groups: children under eight and adults, particularly those in their fifties and sixties. In children, the thumb is involved in about 90% of cases, while adults often experience symptoms in either the thumb or ring finger. This article will discuss the presentation, pathophysiology, causes, and available treatment options.
Presentation
The hallmark symptom of trigger finger is the locking of a finger in a flexed position, making it difficult to fully straighten or extend the finger. This often releases with a snap or requires passive force to open, resulting in pain in the distal palm and finger. Milder cases may present with discomfort and stiffness, especially after periods of rest or irregular finger movements.
Individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis may have multiple affected digits. Some patients might experience a painful nodule at the base of the finger without any snapping or triggering. Swelling of the digit can also occur. Upon examination, a tender, palpable nodule is typically felt at the distal palmar crease.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is a painful condition affecting the inner side of the elbow, primarily caused by overuse of the forearm muscles connected to the elbow. These muscles are responsible for bending the wrist and rotating the forearm. Despite its name, this condition can affect non-golfers as well.
Repetitive wrist flexion activities—where the wrist bends towards the palm—can lead to golfer’s elbow. This includes sports like golf, tennis, and badminton, as well as any activities that involve repetitive throwing, such as cricket and netball.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by nerve compression in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is formed by the wrist bones and the transverse carpal ligament, which runs across the palm side of the wrist. Due to the narrowness of this tunnel, even slight swelling or thickening of surrounding structures can exert pressure on the median nerve.
The median nerve is responsible for sensations and movements in the palm side of the thumb and most fingers.
When pressure on the median nerve increases, it can lead to symptoms such as pins and needles, numbness, pain, and weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers.
DeQuervain’s Syndrome
In De Quervain’s syndrome, the sheath covering two tendons on the outer side of the thumb becomes inflamed and swollen. The tendons involved are the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus, both of which help move the thumb away from the hand in line with the palm. These tendons run parallel from the forearm to the thumb and normally slide smoothly within the sheath. However, when the sheath becomes inflamed, it restricts thumb and wrist movement.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to prevent Wrist Pain?
Consulting a physiotherapist as soon as possible can lead to a more efficient recovery. Delaying treatment often allows the condition to worsen, resulting in scar tissue buildup that can complicate healing. If you’re experiencing severe shoulder pain that limits your movement, it’s important to seek treatment right away.
What can I do to prevent Elbow Pain?
Preventing common overuse injuries that lead to elbow pain can be quite straightforward. If you participate in sports or hobbies that frequently involve your elbow, be sure to incorporate stretching into your routine.
Stretching both before and after activities can help reduce the risk of pain or injury. Additionally, strengthening the surrounding muscle groups—such as the forearm, biceps, and triceps—can also be beneficial.
By building strength in these areas, you can alleviate some of the strain on your elbow joint during demanding movements, thereby preventing pain and injuries.
When should I see a Physiotherapist for Elbow or Wrist pain?
Consulting a professional physiotherapist as soon as possible can lead to a quicker recovery. It’s particularly important to seek help immediately if you’re experiencing severe pain that limits your movement, or if the pain worsens with specific movements or activities. At Core Concepts, we are committed to addressing your concerns and helping you return to full activity.
What are the treatments available?
We utilize various treatment methods for elbow and wrist pain, including manual therapy and strengthening exercises. Your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on a thorough assessment of your condition. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary, and we can refer you to a specialist if needed after our evaluation.
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279 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437062
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(+65) 9007 1085
hello@nofrillsphysiotherapy.com
Address: 279 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437062
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