Elbow, Wrist & Hand Pain
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Revolutionize Your Life - Eliminate Elbow, Wrist, & Hand Pain!
Your elbows, wrists, and hands are working non-stop all day, and you only truly notice them when they start to hurt. Think about your morning routine: waking up, brushing your teeth, showering, dressing, preparing breakfast, and heading to work. Even before your workday starts, you've used these joints hundreds of times!
Suffering from pain because of an injury, illness, or another condition can really affect how you enjoy life. Thankfully, relief and possibly complete healing are possible when you get help from a qualified Seattle, WA physical therapist at Kaizen Physical Therapy.
Why do my elbow, wrist, and hand hurt?
Listed below are a few of the most common conditions that may be the culprit for the pain you are feeling in your elbow, wrist or hand:
Strains/Sprains:
Elbow, wrist, or hand strains and sprains lead to discomfort. Strains are muscle or tendon damages, and sprains affect ligaments that link bones together. They often happen when these tissues are overstretched suddenly, like falling onto an extended arm or lifting a heavy object.
Elbow Bursitis:
The bursa is a protective fluid sac at the elbow's tip, cushioning the ulna bone. Injury or frequent movement can squeeze it, causing pain and swelling, often in athletes and students.
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Arthritis:
Arthritis, affecting around 53 million in the US, is the country's top cause of disability, says the Arthritis Foundation. Often due to overuse or injury, it damages joint cartilage, especially in elbows, wrists, and hands. Physical therapy aids in enhancing joint movement, lowering swelling, and strengthening muscles for better support.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:
Cubital tunnel syndrome, a typical nerve compression problem, can cause pain in the elbow, wrist, and hand. Repetitive stress on the "funny bone" or ulnar nerve, located in the elbow, leads to this condition. It results in pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation that mainly affects the ring and pinky fingers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS):
About 5% of Americans suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, per the American Physical Therapy Association. The carpal tunnel safeguards the median nerve and finger-bending tendons in your wrist. If the tunnel narrows, it can squeeze the nerve, causing symptoms like numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Wrist pain, hand swelling, and finger swelling may also occur. Causes of CTS include injuries or repetitive tasks like assembly-line work, extensive typing, or operating heavy machinery.
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow:
Tennis elbow causes pain on the elbow's outer side, while golfer's elbow causes pain on the inner side. These injuries come from repeating the same actions and are not limited to the respective sports. Physical therapy is the most effective treatment, as it fixes joint and soft tissue issues causing tendon strain and swiftly eases inflammation.
Are you dealing with symptoms from the mentioned conditions or have ongoing pain that persists? Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ now to set up an appointment.
Experience Discomfort? Identify the Telltale Signs of Elbow, Wrist, & Hand Pain:
Elbow, wrist, or hand pain can come from an injury and usually lasts a short time. However, if the pain persists, it might be a sign of illness or other issues. Pain can range from mild to intense and may not be constant, appearing off and on during the day.
You might also feel numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in your hands, making it hard to do your usual activities or work, depending on how severe your condition is.
Wave Goodbye to Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain:
Experiencing pain in your elbow, wrist, or hand? At Stride Physical Therapy, we offer cutting-edge treatments to alleviate your discomfort, improve your flexibility, and return you to your daily activities. Our physical therapy often negates the necessity for pain medication or surgery, even for conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that can damage nerves.
Our expert physical therapists will design a tailored treatment program just for you, targeting your unique health needs. Your plan could involve various special treatments like hands-on therapy, techniques to lessen pain and swelling, and targeted exercises to regain strength and movement without discomfort.
Suffering from elbow, wrist, or hand pain? Improve your life quality with Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. Contact us for an appointment and consult with our expert team today!
We will be happy to get you back to living the healthy and physically active life you deserve!
Health Blog
Is a Herniated Disc Causing Your Back Pain?
Struggling with Persistent Back Pain? It Could Be a Herniated Disc
If you're dealing with unusual back or neck pain, or even numbness in your limbs, it could be due to a herniated disc. These issues can cause a range of confusing symptoms, but you don’t have to face them alone!
Our physical therapists at Stride Physical Therapy are here to help you understand herniated discs, their symptoms, and how we can help relieve your pain through targeted treatment.
Understanding Herniated Discs
A herniated disc, also known as a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc, occurs when a spinal disc’s outer layer weakens and allows the inner fluid to push outward. Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock to keep the spine stable. But over time, wear and tear or sudden injuries can cause these discs to bulge or tear, leading to a herniation. Common causes include aging, accidents, or even heavy lifting.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Not all herniated discs cause pain, but if they press on nearby nerves, you might experience:
Pain that increases with movement, like standing up or sitting down
Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
Discomfort in the lower back, especially after bending or twisting
Neck pain (if the affected disc is in the cervical area)
Symptoms following an accident or physical stress, like lifting a heavy object
If you find that heat, cold, or massage brings relief, it could be a strain rather than a disc issue. For accurate diagnosis, imaging such as an X-ray is often the best approach, as it can reveal whether a disc is pressing on a nerve.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy offers effective relief and can help you regain strength and mobility without invasive measures. Our therapists will begin with a full assessment, pinpointing the exact cause of your pain to create a personalized recovery plan. Your treatment may include:
Manual therapy to relieve muscle tension
Ice and heat therapies for pain management
Traction to gently relieve pressure on spinal discs
Advanced techniques like Class IV laser therapy or TENS for targeted relief
Education on posture and safe lifting to prevent future injuries
Our goal is to help you heal naturally, minimizing the need for medications or surgery. Physical therapy is a holistic approach designed to reduce pain, improve function, and support your body’s healing process.
Ready to Feel Better?
A herniated disc can be painful, but recovery is within reach. Many people find lasting relief through physical therapy, even avoiding surgery. We’re here to strengthen your back or neck, support your recovery, and help you avoid future injury.
Get in touch with Stride Physical Therapy today to learn how we can help relieve your back pain and get you back to doing the things you love.
