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Physical therapy & arthritis pain
Physical Therapy & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sports Injuries and Rehab
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HAND & WRIST
Conditions We Treat:
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Arthritis: Rheumatoid/Osteoarthritis
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Fractures
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Ganglion Cyst
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Nerve Compression
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Sprains/Strains
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Trigger Finger
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, commonly affects multiple joints at once. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue.
Causes:
RA occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells. The specific causes of RA are unknown, but some factors can increase the risk of developing the disease.
Fractures
A fracture is a break in a bone. There are different types of fractures based on whether the bone is partially or completely broken, whether the bone breaks through the skin, the direction or shape of the break, the cause of the break, and the location of the break.
Causes:
Fractures commonly happen because of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Overuse and repetitive motions can also cause fractures. Low bone density and osteoporosis are conditions which cause weakening of your bones. Having one of these conditions makes you much more likely to break a bone.
Management:
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Cast or splint: Wearing a cast or a splint will keep your bone from moving while it heals. How long you need to wear it will depend on the type of fracture and which bone is affected.
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Recovering from fractures (Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation)
Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that usually develops near a joint or tendon. The cyst can range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball.
Causes:
There is no known cause of ganglion cysts, but it is believed they may be caused by repetitive small injuries and irritation, causing fluid to accumulate around a joint or tendons.
Management:
Treatment is usually only recommended if the cyst causes pain or affects the range of movement in a joint. Your doctor may either drain the fluid out of the cyst with a needle and syringe, or cutting the cyst open in surgery.
Osteoarthritis
It is also known as degenerative joint disease, or “wear and tear” arthritis.
Causes:
It occurs when the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. Several risk factors for OA include joint injury or overuse, old age, being female, obesity, and genetics.
Management for RA/OA:
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Get physically active: Experts recommend that adults engage in 150 minutes per week of at least moderate physical activity. Moderate, low impact activities recommended include walking, swimming, or biking.
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Lose weight: For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight reduces pressure on joints, particularly weight bearing joints like the hips and knees.
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Protect your joints: Choose activities that are easy on the joints like walking, bicycling, and swimming. These low-impact activities have a low risk of injury and do not twist or put too much stress on the joints.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm, through your wrist, into the palm of your hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.
Causes:
Researchers do not know the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition CTS may result from a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Sometimes, irritated tendons can thicken or swell, which can narrow the tunnel and compress the median nerve.
Management:
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Wearing a splint on your hand and wrist at night.
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Using ice packs as needed.
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Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor.
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Resting your hands periodically.
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Minimizing repetitive movements.
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Taking short breaks when doing repetitive tasks with your hands.
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Using ergonomically designed tools and furniture when possible.
Nerve Compression
A nerve compression occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness.
Causes:
Repetitive motions or holding the body in a certain position for an extended period
Management:
In some cases, relief can be seen by simply resting the affected area or avoiding activities that may worsen the symptoms. Physical therapy, or wearing a splint are known to be beneficial for nerve compression as well. Some people may also benefit from medication therapy, such as NSAIDs, oral corticosteroids, and steroid injections.