The incredible complexity and dexterity of our hands allows us to accomplish delicate tasks with a precision we often take for granted. Pain severely limits our ability to do everyday things, yet we continue to do them because, well, we have to!
Click above to watch a video with a few quick fixes for hand and wrist pain, then read below for a little more detail on the common conditions women face and how to combat them.
1. Tendinitis
Tendinitis in the wrist is almost always a repetitive use injury. Inflammation develops as high demands are persistently placed on the muscle-tendon unit, and the tendon becomes swollen and painful. For moms, this commonly occurs at the base of the thumb, wrist or elbow from holding baby in awkward positions or handling bottles.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage between the bones of your wrist, covered by a thick ligament called the retinaculum. Through this tunnel run 9 tendons to your fingers, and the median nerve which innervates the thumb and first two digits. Prolonged positioning, repetitive use, and pressure on the wrist can all contribute to the pain, numbness, and tingling characteristic of CTS.
3. Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation and degeneration of the joints, causing stiffness, swelling and pain which is often worse in the morning or in cold weather, and eases as you “warm up”.  You may notice decreased dexterity, strength and control. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition and usually hereditary.

What can you do?
For all 3 conditions, ice and heat are good ways to control pain. Ice helps with inflammation and swelling, heat with stiffness and pain. Try to identify the activities that irritate your hands and reduce or alter them. Change positions and take breaks frequently. A wrist brace may be helpful for tendinitis or CTS.
Addressing the flexibility and strength of the muscles and joints involved is essential to recovery – watch the video for a few exercises to target these muscles! Massage, ultrasound, joint mobilization, and taping are highly effective, and of course provided by your trusty physical therapist!

Dr. Sheri DeSchaaf, DPT