Wrist Injuries Treatment
The treatment for wrist injuries can be a challenging and complicated journey due to how complex the wrist joint is. The wrist is the connection point of the hand to the arm and allows the hand to grip, twist, and lift. The wrist allows the hand to be positioned in ways that are crucial to performing our everyday activities at work, home and play.
Why is the wrist considered complicated?
The wrist is made up of 15 bones that are held together by a complex network of ligaments. On top of that there are 24 tendons, which connect a muscle to a bone, that attach themselves at the wrist or they travel through it to get to the digits (fingers and thumb). Finally, there are 3 nerves that travel through the wrist on their journey to their final destination of the fingertips.
What are the common causes and types of wrist injuries?
The wrist bones and ligaments are most commonly injured as a result of people putting their hands out in front of them to try and catch themselves when they trip and fall. These types of injuries often injury the thumb side of the wrist. The bones and ligaments on the little finger side of the wrist are often injured with a quick twisting motion while holding something like a power drill or a tennis racket.
The wrist tendons can develop tendonitis when they become irritated by frequent use or too much force. When this happens the tendon starts rubbing on the soft tissue, called the retinaculum, that holds the tendon in place when the wrist is moving. The most common nerve injury at the wrist is carpal tunnel syndrome.
When and why should I come see a therapist?
The short answer is as soon as you can. The earlier the inflammation is controlled, then the earlier your body can begin the healing process. The longer the delay in therapy, then the longer the recovery period takes. Armworks uses tools, expertise and splinting (when needed) to aid in the rehabilitation process. Our therapists will work to bring your pain level down, control your swelling or inflammation, and then restore the strength and motion in your wrist.
Why should I come to Armworks Hand Therapy?
The successful treatment of wrist injuries requires many key elements with the two most important being the skill of an occupational or physical therapist that specializes in seeing wrist injuries and a patient willing to participate in their therapy. All of the therapists at Armworks Hand Therapy specialize in the treatment of the elbow, WRIST, and hand so we see these types of injuries all day, every day.