Suffering From Elbow, Wrist, Or Hand Pain?
Elbow, wrist, and hand pain are common complaints in the working population.
It can be bothersome to work when you are experiencing pain in your upper extremity. People who work with tools are using their elbow, wrist, and hand in a lot in repetitive motions. Even working on the computer can lead to and be affected by elbow, wrist, and hand pain. Learn about some of the common conditions of the upper extremity that we treat at Evomotion Health and Wellness.
Common Upper Extremity Complaints
Lateral And Medial Epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), relating to the common wrist extensor tendon and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) relating to the common wrist flexor tendon are common overuse injuries. Although they are found in the sports they are named after, these conditions are also found in the general population. Activities that can lead to tennis elbow include repetitive computer mouse and keyboard use, hand tools use, and playing stringed instruments. Activities that can lead to golfer's elbow include repetitive gardening tools use, shoveling, and carrying a heavy suitcase.
Lateral Epicondylitis Symptoms:
- Pain along the outside of the elbow
- Pain referral down the back of the forearm
- Numbness and tingling down the back of the forearm
- Elbow stiffness
Medial Epicondylitis Symptoms:
- Pain along the inside of the elbow
- Pain referral down the front of the forearm
- Numbness and tingling down the back of the forearm
- Elbow stiffness
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve as it passes under the front side of your wrist to supply the deep muscles on the front side of the hand. It is caused by an increase in pressure at the base of the palm. 73% of people who experience carpal tunnel syndrome will experience it on the otehr hand at some point. It is often associated with repetitive hand use. With the increase in computer and smartphone use, carpal tunnel syndrome diagnoses are increasing.
Symptoms May Include:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning of the hand and fingers
- Weakness of the hand and fingers
- Clumsiness of the hand and fingers
- Pain wakes you up at night
- Hand feels stiff in the morning
- Shaking or flicking wrist and hand relieves symptoms
Peripheral Joint Dysfunction
There are many joints in the upper extremity and a lot of them work together to allow for various gross and fine motor movements. When a joint is put into a position for too long without movement, it can become restricted and affect many daily activities.
Symptoms May Include:
- Dull and achy pain at the specific joint(s) affected
- Sharp pain at the specific joint(s) at end ranges of motion
- Stiffness and tightness at the joint
- Restricted movement of the joint
- Muscle spasms
- Slight swelling and redness
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition that originates from the lower neck, but affects the entire upper extremity. It is the compression of neurovascular structures as they exit between the collar bone and the first rib.
Symptoms May Include:
- Numbness and tingling of the upper extremity, especially down the inner arm and hand
- Pain or constant ache of the upper extremity, especially down the inner arm and hand
- Bluish hands and feeling of coldness
- Aggravation of symptoms when arm is above the head
- Associated neck pain
- Associated headaches
