Elbow, Wrist & Hand Pain Relief

Wave Goodbye to Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain With Occupational and Physical Therapy

You use your elbows, wrists, and hands numerous times throughout the day – and nothing will make you realize that quite like feeling aches and pains in them. Just imagine your typical morning: you get out of bed, brush your teeth, shower, get dressed, make breakfast, and begin your commute to work. At this point, you’ve already used your elbows, wrists, and hands hundreds of times – and you’re just getting your day started!

There are several reasons why you may be experiencing pain, whether it’s an injury, ailment, or some sort of other underlying condition. Whatever the case may be, the pain can greatly impact your daily life. Fortunately, our San Anselmo or Novato physical and occupational therapists can help you find relief. Contact Sport and Spine Therapy of Marin today to learn more about how we can help you wave goodbye to elbow, wrist, and hand pain for good!

Why do I have elbow, wrist, and hand pain?

There are a vast variety of muscles, tendons, bones, and joints that make up your upper extremities. Because of this, it can be difficult to determine exactly where your elbow, wrist, or hand pain is stemming from. Some of the most common conditions that result in this type of pain include:

• Arthritis. Arthritis affects approximately 53 million Americans. In fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the most common form of disability in the United States. There are many different forms of arthritis, but it is typically caused by repetitive motions or an injury that impacts the cartilage within the joints of your elbow, wrist, or hand.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The American Physical Therapy Association states that carpal tunnel syndrome impacts approximately 5% of all Americans. The main job of the carpal tunnel is to protect the median nerve on the inside of your wrist, as well as the tendons you use to bend your fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the carpal tunnel becomes constricted or pinched, which can result in pain within the nerve that can stretch throughout your entire arm. A constricted carpal tunnel is typically caused by an injury or by repetitive job-related use, such as assembly-line work, keyboard-heavy work, or driving heavy machinery.
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Much like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome is another common form of nerve damage that can lead to elbow, wrist, and hand pain. It is caused by repetitive pressure on the ulnar nerve, which is located on the outside of your elbow and is commonly referred to as the “funny bone.” When pressure is put on the cubital tunnel and surrounding nerves, it can cause tingling, numbness, and pain.
• Elbow Bursitis. At the end of everyone’s elbow is a fluid-filled sac called the “bursa” that serves as a cushion to the elbow bone, also known as the “ulna.” Bursitis can occur when the bursa is compressed due to an injury or repetitive motion, resulting in pain and swelling. Because of this, it is common to see this condition in athletes and students. Elbow pain can be called many things, depending on what activity caused the pain. For example, a tennis player may refer to their pain as “tennis elbow,” a golfer may call their elbow pain “golfer’s elbow,” and a student may say they have “student’s elbow.”
• Sprains/Strains. Sprains and strains to the elbow, wrist, or hand can also result in pain.
• Traumatic injuries. Many people suffer traumatic injuries to their hands at work or by simply using a knife at home. The tendons in the hand are critical to the proper usage of your hands and injuries to them will require a very specific reconstruction techniques by a skilled hand surgeon. After surgery, you will need the help of a Certified Hand Therapist because of the delicate nature of the repair.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms caused by the conditions above, or if you have persistent pain in your elbow, wrist or hand that won’t seem to go away, contact our San Anselmo or Novato physical therapy office as soon as possible, in order to set up a consultation.

How does pain in the elbow, wrist, or hand develop?

If you sustain an injury to your elbow, wrist, or hand, it is likely that it’ll result in short-term pain. However, any pain that lingers for two months or longer may be an indication of a more serious condition. Pain sustained from an injury may range from mild and severe, and it may also be intermittent, meaning it comes and goes at different points throughout the day.

One of the most common secondary symptoms that accompanies elbow, wrist, or hand pain is numbness or tingling in the upper extremities. This is most commonly felt in the fingers, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks at your normal levels of function. This can create problems at work or home, depending on the seriousness of your condition. If your pain is affecting your daily life, it is important to consult with a San Anselmo or Novato occupational or physical therapist as soon as possible.

How can I treat my elbow, wrist, or hand pain?

Occupational and physical therapy can help treat whatever may be causing your elbow, wrist, or hand pain. At Sport and Spine Therapy of Marin, our advanced methods and treatments are designed to help your alleviate pain, restore range of motion, and get back to living your normal life. In many cases, our services have even helped eliminate the need for harmful drugs or invasive surgical corrections for nerve-damaging conditions, such as CTS.

After your initial evaluation, one of our San Anselmo or Novato occupational and physical therapists will create an individualized treatment plan based around the recovery needs for your specific condition. Your treatment plan may incorporate any combination of specialized treatments, including but not limited to ice and heat therapies, targeted stretches, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, IASTM, or ultrasound.

Are you ready to wave goodbye to your elbow, wrist, and hand pain, once and for all? Contact Us Today at Novato, San Anselmo & Marin County, CA Centers to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated hand therapists. At Sport and Spine Therapy of Marin, our mission is to help you receive the treatment you need, so you can get back to living the active life you deserve!