You use your elbows, wrists, and hands hundreds of times throughout the day. Consider a typical morning routine: you get out of bed, brush your teeth, shower, get dressed, make breakfast, and begin your commute to work. Your elbows, wrists, and hands are needed in order to accomplish all of those tasks!
There are a number of reasons why pain in the upper extremities may occur, such as an injury, ailment, or an underlying condition. Fortunately, Rebound Physical Therapy can help bring you relief. Contact us today at our Meridian or Boise, ID physical therapy practice to schedule a consultation and get started on your path toward recovery!
How did my elbow, wrist, and hand pain occur?
Most injuries to the elbow, wrist, or hand will result in short-term pain. However, if the pain becomes chronic (lasting longer than three months) you may be dealing with a deeper problem.
The pain you experience may vary from mild to severe, and it may also be intermittent, meaning it comes and goes throughout the day. A common secondary symptom associated with elbow, wrist, and hand pain is a tingling or numbness felt in the upper extremities, especially in the fingers. This symptom can make it difficult to perform daily tasks at home or work, depending on how serious the condition is.
If your pain is affecting your daily life, it is important to consult with one of our physical therapists as soon as possible.
What’s causing my elbow, wrist, and hand pain?
Your upper extremities are comprised of numerous joints, bones, muscles, and tendons. Due to the complexity of the upper extremities, it can sometimes be difficult to determine where the pain is originating. A few of the most common conditions resulting in elbow, wrist, and hand pain include:
- Elbow Bursitis – At the end of everyone’s elbow is a fluid-filled sac called the “bursa” that serves as a cushion to the elbow bone, also known as the “ulna.” Bursitis can occur when the bursa is compressed due to an injury or repetitive motion, resulting in pain and swelling. Because of this, it is common to see this condition in athletes and students. Elbow pain can be called many things, depending on what activity caused the pain. For example, a tennis player may refer to their pain as “tennis elbow,” a golfer may call their elbow pain “golfer’s elbow,” and a student may say they have “student’s elbow.”
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): The American Physical Therapy Association states that carpal tunnel syndrome impacts approximately 5% of all Americans. The main job of the carpal tunnel is to protect the median nerve on the inside of your wrist, as well as the tendons you use to bend your fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the carpal tunnel becomes constricted or pinched, which can result in pain within the nerve that can stretch throughout your entire arm. A constricted carpal tunnel is typically caused by an injury or by repetitive job-related use, such as assembly-line work, keyboard-heavy work, or driving heavy machinery.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Much like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome is another common form of nerve damage that can lead to elbow, wrist, and hand pain. It is caused by repetitive pressure on the ulnar nerve, which is located on the outside of your elbow and is commonly referred to as the “funny bone.” When pressure is put on the cubital tunnel and surrounding nerves, it can cause tingling, numbness, and pain.
- Arthritis: Arthritis affects approximately 53 million Americans. In fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the most common form of disability in the United States. There are many different forms of arthritis, but it is typically caused by repetitive motions or an injury that impacts the cartilage within the joints of your elbow, wrist, or hand.
- Sprains/Strains – Sprains and strains to the elbow, wrist, or hand can also result in pain.
If you believe you may be experiencing one of the conditions above, contact our physical therapy office to consult with a professional today.
Treating elbow, wrist, and hand pain:
No matter what may be causing your elbow, wrist, and hand pain, physical therapy can help. Our advanced methods and treatments at Rebound Physical Therapy are designed to relieve pain, restore range of motion, and return you to your normal life. In many cases, physical therapy treatments have even been proven to eliminate the need for harmful drugs or invasive surgical repairs.
Once you complete your physical evaluation with one of our licensed Meridian and Boise, ID physical therapists, they will design a personalized treatment plan targeting your specific needs. Your treatment plan may incorporate any combination of specialized treatments, including targeted exercises and stretches, manual therapy, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, IASTM, or any other method our physical therapist deems fit.
Schedule an appointment
Don’t let elbow, wrist, and hand pain limit you – seek help today. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated team members. At Rebound Physical Therapy, our mission is to help you receive the treatment you need, so you can get back to living the active life you deserve!
Visit our clinic today!
Read our blog post on how physical therapy can combat joint pain by clicking here!