There are so many small bones, ligaments and tendons in the hand and wrist area that diagnosing problems in this area can be tricky. Here are some example injuries:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve when it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The causes of this could be many things, including repetitive overuse, swelling from another injury, fluid retention during pregnancy or simply having a very narrow carpal tunnel. For this reason, women are more prone to the condition than men.
Symptoms may include:
- A burning pain in the wrist/hand.
- Tingling or numbness in the hand.
- Pain which is often worse at night.
More information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Fractured Scaphoid
The Scaphoid bone is one of the eight carpal bones which make up the wrist. It is located at the base of the thumb. This is the most common carpal bone to be fractured, often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand. Unfortunately it can also be one of the most difficult to heal as the blood supply into the area is particularly poor.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the wrist which may settle down quite quickly.
- Tenderness when touching the bone (in the area between the two tendons at the base of the thumb).
- Difficulty gripping things.
More information on Scaphoid Fractures.
De Quervains Tenosynovitis
This is an inflammation of the sheath which surrounds the tendon of the Abductor Pollicis Longus and Extensor Pollicis Brevis. These pass from the forearm to the hand on the thumb side of the wrist. This is an overuse injury which is common in racket sports, as well as canoeing or ten pin bowling!
Symptoms may include:
- pain on the thumb side of the wrist.
There may also be some swelling in that area.
More information on De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.
Visit www.sportsinjuryclinic.net for further information on these and more wrist & hand injuries.