Hand and Wrist Pain Treatment
Relief So You Can Get Back to What Matters
Your hands and wrists are involved in almost everything you do, from typing an email to buttoning a coat to holding a grandchild’s hand. When pain gets in the way, it can affect more of your life than you’d expect. Our team is here to help you find relief.
What Is Hand and Wrist Pain?
Hand and wrist pain refers to any discomfort, numbness, tingling, or ache felt in the hand or wrist. It can come from an injury, repetitive motion, or an underlying medical condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Hand and Wrist Pain?
You may notice:
- ✓Numbness or tingling
- ✓Aching or throbbing pain
- ✓Stiffness, especially in the joints
- ✓Swelling
- ✓Weakness or difficulty gripping
- ✓A finger that catches or locks in a bent position
- ✓Pain that worsens with repetitive movement
What Causes Hand and Wrist Pain?
There are a lot of possible causes, and your medical history plays a big role in figuring out which one applies to you. As you talk openly with us, we’ll work together to identify what’s causing your pain and build a plan to move forward. Common causes include:
- ✓Carpal tunnel syndrome, when the nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, causing numbness and tingling
- ✓Arthritis, causing stiffness and joint pain, often in the thumb
- ✓Tendinitis, inflammation of the tendons from overuse
- ✓Sprains, often from repetitive movements like typing, or from sports injuries
- ✓Burns or other accidents
- ✓Fractures or sprains from sudden impact or trauma
- ✓Trigger finger, when inflamed tendons leave a finger stuck in a bent position
- ✓Ganglion cysts, fluid-filled cysts that can develop along tendons or joints
- ✓Referred pain from the neck or elbow
These conditions can get in the way of daily activities, especially anything that relies on your hands and wrists. Addressing pain early can help prevent longer-term issues.
How Is Hand and Wrist Pain Treated?
Hand and wrist pain can limit your ability to complete daily tasks and affect your overall quality of life, but you don’t have to manage it alone. If your pain is persistent, severe, or comes with swelling, weakness, or numbness, it’s important to have it evaluated. Catching it early can help prevent complications and support a quicker recovery.
We’ll start with a physical exam and ask questions to help understand exactly what’s going on. From there, your treatment may include:
- ✓Gentle exercises to reduce pain and regain range of motion
- ✓Hand and wrist strengthening
- ✓Fine motor and coordination training
- ✓Activity modification and reintegration back to sport or work
- ✓Manual therapy for joint and soft tissue mobility
- ✓Taping and bracing
- ✓Education to help manage your pain
Some cases respond well to rest, lifestyle changes, or other simple modifications. Others may call for more involved treatment, including minor procedures or surgery. If surgery is part of your path forward, our therapists can help you prepare beforehand and recover afterward, including guidance on ergonomics and bracing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Numbness and tingling are common signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, when the nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. A physical therapist can help confirm the cause and build a plan to relieve it.
Yes. Physical therapy can help manage pain and improve mobility for both conditions, and we’ll let you know if a referral for further treatment is needed.
If your pain is persistent, severe, or comes with swelling, weakness, or numbness, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated sooner rather than later.
Contact Us to Get Started
Hand and wrist pain recovery takes time, support, and a team that believes in your potential. At Big Stone Therapies, we’re committed to helping you or your loved one rediscover strength, confidence, and independence, no matter where you are in the journey. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
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