Chronic Pain Chronicles: Strategies for Improvement

The hands were the first tools that human beings ever used. Most of the activities you do for work or recreation involve the hands. Therefore, chronic pain in your hands or wrists can significantly decrease your quality of life. If you have a diagnosis on chronic pain in one or both wrists, physical therapy Hutchinson KS may help to relieve your pain and restore your function.

Causes of Chronic Wrist Pain

Wrist pain often results initially from a traumatic injury, such as a fall. Doctors sometimes refer to this type of accident as a FOOSH, which stands for "fall onto an outstretched hand." A FOOSH can result in a soft tissue injury, such as a ligament sprain, or a bone fracture. The prognosis for recovering from these injuries is usually good, and Derby physical therapy is often an important part of the recovery process. However, if the injuries do not heal properly, chronic pain can result.

Chronic wrist pain can stem from arthritis, which is inflammation of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system attacks the cartilage that cushions the end of bones. It can occur at any age. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the breakdown of cartilage over time and affects senior citizens.

Gout or pseudogout occur when certain chemicals build up in the joints. When they crystallize, they can cause pain and irritation.

Repetitive hand motions can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Inflammation in the soft tissues of the wrist causes them to swell, putting pressure on the median nerve and causing symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness as well as pain.

Physical Therapy and Other Treatment Options for Wrist Pain

A physical therapist Wichita KS can help with wrist pain from several causes. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your therapist can use techniques to reduce swelling and teach you exercises that take pressure off the median nerve. Your therapist can also teach you better ergonomics that prevent microtrauma to the soft tissues in your wrist.

If you have a broken bone or soft tissue injury from a trauma, physical therapy may start with pain relief modalities. Later, your therapist will probably teach you exercises to regain strength and range of motion in your wrist.

Depending on the cause of your wrist pain, other treatment options may include medications and surgery. Physical therapy can also help you recover from an operation.

Coping With Chronic Wrist Pain: Recommendations for Daily Living

There are things you can do to protect your wrist as it heals. For example, as much as possible, you should try to avoid doing activities that provoke your pain. If such activities are unavoidable, a physical therapist may be able to teach you strategies for performing them safely.

Some people with carpal tunnel syndrome find that it helps to cushion their wrists while typing or using the computer mouse. This helps prevent the wrists from extending too far.

You may have wrist pain when you first wake up in the morning because you sleep with your wrists flexed and hands curled in. If so, wearing splints at night to keep the wrists straight can help. Your physical therapist can fit you for a splint and help you obtain one.

Contact your doctor to refer you to a local physical therapist.