Hand Pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a common cause of wrist and hand pain, is caused by wrist swelling in an anatomical area known as the Carpal Tunnel. The Carpal Tunnel is a gap in the carpal (wrist) bones through which muscles, blood vessels and nerves pass on their way to the hand from the forearm. Compression of the Median nerve causes altered sensation in the wrist and the fingers nearest the thumb, as well as the thumb itself. Research studies have shown that the pressure within the Carpal Tunnel is increased if the wrist is held in a position of extension (such as typing at a keyboard) or flexion (when gripping tightly). Common Carpal Tunnel Syndrome presents with pain in the hand and wrist, pins and needles in the hand and burning, tingling or numbness in the hand.

Skier's Thumb

A Sprained Thumb is often referred to as Skier's Thumb, due to the prevalence of this injury during skiing. It is a common cause of thumb pain and swelling. Skier's thumb is caused by damage to a ligament at the base of the thumb, often caused by a ski pole during a fall. However a sprained thumb is not exclusive to skiers and can occur to anyone where there is sufficient force applied to the thumb in a direction away from the hand. In severe cases there is often immediate thumb swelling and pain. Thumb bruising may develop in a few days. In more long standing cases there may be a persistent thickening of the thumb joint with swelling around the base of the thumb.

What we can do to help

Treatment will vary according to your specific condition. Initially a thorough examination of your problem will be made in order to determine the best approach to take with your treatment. Each client will receive a personalised treatment programme which will likely be made up from a combination of soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, electrotherapy, acupuncture and exercise therapy if required.