Wrist Tendonitis / Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Wrist pain is any pain or discomfort in the wrist. The most common cause is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which occurs when the median nerve, which travels throug the wrist, is compressed, often due to swelling of the wrist.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include aching, burning or numbness. Often patients feel a tingling sensation in the palm, wrist, thumb or fingers. Frequently the thumb muscle weakens making it difficult to use the hand normally. Occasionally pain may be referred upwards through to the elbow.
Common Causes
- Repetitive use of the muscles at the back of the forearm without adequate opportunities for stretching and recovery
- Pregnancy, menopause or obesity
- Diabetes, underactive thyroid, arthritis
- Poor posture and/or working practices whilst using a computer for long periods is a common cause of overuse conditions
Treatments
- Prevention is better than cure, i.e., frequent breaks to allow muscles to disengage
- If the problem becomes entrenched Osteopaths will use massage techniques to help drainage and will suggest exercises to ensure the problem does not become chronic
The content of this page is informed by feedback from a practitioner in London and also clinics in Birmingham. Further input was received from osteopaths in the Sheffield area and osteopathic practitioners in Fulham. Finally a contribution was made by practices in Brighton