Wrist Condition

Have you ever had wrist pain? Especially while typing?

If so, you may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, also known as median nerve compression. This is caused when a nerve that passes under your wrist is compressed – which may cause numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand. We often see this in people who type or use their computers all day. The overaccumulation of strain over the years may start off as fingers “falling asleep” or becoming numb at times, which may lead to becoming more uncomfortable with symptoms lingering for a long period of time.

• Burning, tingling, or itching that starts in the fingers and may travel towards the arm
• Numbness in your palm and/or fingers
• Weakness in your hand
• Trouble holding things

If you have noticed an increase in numbness or weakness, have recently fallen and landed on your wrist, or experience excessive tightness in your forearms, it may be time to see a chiropractor, physiotherapist or registered massage therapist to assess and provide you with a diagnosis.

• We want to hear your story – this gives us clues to any triggers to avoid and identifies positions of relief which will help your recovery
• A thorough physical examination to identify your wrist range of motion and painful areas
• Together, we will create a treatment plan that works around your schedule and needs. This plan may include a mixture of deep muscle therapy, acupuncture, joint mobilizations and prescriptive exercises to get you back to moving and feeling better

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Sometimes misdiagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome if not properly assessed, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon in the wrist and forearm at the base of your thumb. Typically caused by repeated thumb movements over a long period of time, activities such as grasping, squeezing or pinching can be risk factors. It can start at the thumb and move up towards the forearms.

Symptoms:

• Pain or swelling at the base or on the thumb
• Limited range of motion when it comes to the thumb and wrist, especially when it involves grasping or pinching
• Sensation of “locking” sensation in the thumb

When to see a Clinician?

Try rest and ice for a couple of days to the affected area. If any movements in your thumb cause pain or your condition is not improving, it may be time to consult with one of our musculoskeletal experts including a chiropractor and physiotherapist for a precise diagnosis.

What treatment should you expect?

• We want to hear your story – this gives us clues to any triggers to avoid and identifies positions of relief which will help your recovery
• A thorough physical examination to identify your wrist and thumb range of motion and painful areas
• Once we’ve determined an accurate diagnosis, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan which may include applying a splint to protect the affected area, deep muscle therapy, acupuncture and joint mobilizations to get you back to regaining your thumb’s function and prevent future complications or flare-ups.