If pain and discomfort in the hand, wrist, or elbow impairs your ability to perform everyday tasks, medical intervention may be necessary to properly diagnose and treat the issue. At Burghealth Physical Medicine, we will do just that. Using advanced care solutions and responsible pain management, we relieve pain and improve the range of motion in the hand, wrist, and elbow. Learn more about what causes this type of pain and how the medical professionals at our St. Petersburg, FL advanced care center can help.
What causes pain in the hand, wrist, and elbow?
Pain in the upper extremity can be sharp, acute, dull, or chronic, and there are a wide range of issues that could be the cause. The most common include:
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is a condition that develops over time and is known as an “overuse injury”. It occurs when tendons become inflamed, resulting in swelling and pain, especially with movement of the affected area.
Fracture: Fractures in the hand, wrist, or elbow are commonly associated with an injury such as a fall. As the body heals, the fingers, wrist, and elbow can become stiff, resulting in reduced range of motion and strength.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The carpal tunnel is a thin canal located at the wrist and beneath the palm of your hand. It is responsible for protecting the median nerve and tendons that allow the fingers to bend. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when excessive pressure is placed on the median nerve, resulting in irritation of the carpal tunnel. As a result, numbness, stiffness, and pain can radiate through your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Nerve Injuries: Numbness, tingling, or loss of temperature sensation in your hand, wrist, or elbow can occur from a nerve injury. This condition causes swelling, and in turn, prevents proper circulation and keeps the nerves from functioning properly. As a result, muscle performance may be affected, and in severe cases, paralysis can occur.
Tennis Elbow: Lateral (outside) epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a result of excessive gripping and extending of the wrist, i.e., holding a tennis racket, paintbrush, or hammer. Severe tenderness and pain will occur around the outside of the elbow, especially when gripping or lifting objects and twisting the forearm.
Golfer’s Elbow: Also known as medial (inside) epicondylitis, golfer’s elbow is the same as tennis elbow but with the pain on the inside of the elbow rather than the outside. It occurs as a result of overused muscles that flex your wrist and fingers. Symptoms are like tennis elbow, just in a different location.
Sprains &Strains: One of the most common injuries to the hand, wrist, and elbow, a sprain or strain occurs from a sudden overstretching of the tissues. This causes a tear, which results in swelling, inflammation, pain, and restricted movement.
Treating Hand, Wrist, & Elbow Pain
At Burghealth Physical Medicine, we treat hand, wrist, and elbow pain with individualized advanced care solutions and responsible pain management using non-drug and non-surgical treatments. To learn more about these services, please contact our St. Petersburg, FL advanced care center.
