INJURIES AND CONDITIONS THAT WE TREAT
HAND & WRIST PAIN TREATMENTS
- Trigger finger is a dysfunction of the finger tendon system thought to be caused by overuse, forceful or prolonged flexing/bending of the finger, or inflammation. Symptoms include “clicking” when bending your finger or “catching” of your finger when bending it. It is often seen as a finger “locking” in a bent position that requires assistance to straighten it. There may be swelling and pain when touching the finger. Your therapist will assess the finger and create a treatment plan to restore the function. Learn More
- Fractures can occur in the finger following a trauma or a fall onto your hand. Fractures can occur in any of the 3 small finger bones called phalanges (only 2 in your thumb), or the “palm” bones of the hand called metacarpals. A Boxer’s fracture is named for the fracture of the 5th metacarpal (on your pinky side). Fractures will require medical management, but once out of your cast/splint your therapist will create a treatment plan to reduce pain, restore range of motion and strength of your finger/hand, and return you to all your favorite activities. Learn More
- A ganglion cyst is a benign bulge or lump that appears most often around the hand/wrist or foot. They are usually an accumulation of fluid from nearby joints or tendons. Cysts can also be painful. A ganglion cyst usually appears without any particular cause and can affect anyone. Many cysts can disappear without treatment (38-58% of cases) but if the cyst is interfering with your hand or wrist function, the therapist can help create a treatment plan to maintain range of motion, strength, and reduce scar tissue around the affected area to reduce symptoms. Learn More
- Skier’s thumb and Gamekeeper’s thumb is an injury to the ligament of the thumb due to a hyperabduction motion of the thumb (when the thumb moves outward far away from the rest of the hand). The injury was named after skiers and gamekeepers since it was commonly seen in these populations but can occur to anyone. Symptoms include thumb pain, thumb laxity or “loose” or unstable sensation, weakness of the thumb, and swelling or bruising. Your therapist will assess the condition of your thumb and create a treatment plan to get you back on track. Learn More
- The TFCC is a structure on the pinky side of your wrist that acts as a stabilizer. It is usually injured during a trauma such as a fall or forced wrist movement but can also be a result of chronic degeneration. Symptoms include clicking and pain over the pinky side of the wrist and may also be associated with an increased “bump” over the pinky side of your wrist. You may require a splint for this injury. Your therapist will help diagnose your injury and create and treatment plan to address your symptoms.Learn More
- Fractures can occur in the wrist following a trauma or a fall onto your hand/wrist. Fractures can occur in any of the 8 small wrist bones, or the 2 bones of the forearm (radius and ulna). Fractures will require medical management, but once out of your cast/splint your therapist will create a treatment plan to reduce pain, restore range of motion and strength of your wrist, and return you to all your favorite activities. Learn More
- The scaphoid is one of the 8 small bones located inside your wrist. The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured wrist bone and is located below your thumb. Scaphoid fracture is sometimes diagnosed late because it is hard to see on imaging. It can be a slow healing fracture due to a poor blood supply. Scaphoid fracture usually occurs after a fall onto your extended wrist but can happen with other trauma such as during sport. Symptoms usually include a deep dull ache, wrist swelling, pain when gripping or pinching, and sometimes bruising. Your therapist can assess the integrity of your scaphoid and will refer you for imaging if they suspect scaphoid fracture. Learn More
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons of the wrist on the thumb side. Pain is usually worse with moving your thumb away from your hand, grasping, and moving the wrist side to side. The tendon is often thick and swollen. The most common cause is overuse and repetitive activities. Fun fact: this type of tendonitis is often found in new mothers due to the way we lift our babies! Our therapists are trained in assessing and treating De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and will get you back to doing the activities that you love. Learn More
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome results from a compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel (in the wrist). Causes include repetitive strain, sustained compression, swelling, trauma, and arthritis. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb and pointer finger. You might also experience some weakness in your hand and shrinking of your thumb muscles. Not all carpal tunnel syndromes require surgery, most cases do very well with physiotherapy management. Your therapist will design a plan for your carpal tunnel to restore the function of your hand. Learn More
- Dupuytren Contracture is a shortening and thickening of the palm tissue causing the fingers to bend and making them difficult to straighten. The most commonly affected fingers are the pinky and the ring finger. It may have a component of family history and may be linked to diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, HIV, and vascular disease. Physiotherapy can help to restore function of the hand and fingers. In severe cases, referral for surgical intervention may be required. Learn More
- Pain in the hand and wrist can quickly decrease function as we use our hands for many daily activities and tasks. Pain in the hand can be due to many conditions of the bone, muscle, tendon, or nerve. Your therapist will complete a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of your discomfort and create a treatment plan to ease your symptoms and get you back to the tasks you enjoy. Learn More
