Hand and wrist pain: Why does it happen?

Arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are two of the most common problems, which often come accompanied by pain and loss of mobility. Hand, although we pay less attention to proper, is one of the most complex areas of our body as it consists of a total of 19 bones, 17 joints and 19 muscles. A slight discomfort or pain in the hands or wrists treated incorrectly can worsen quality of life, as are countless movements we make with them throughout the day.

wrist pain

Among the most common ailments that affect the hands and wrists is osteoarthritis. A degenerative disease to which women are more vulnerable, especially from the 50. Their cause is, as a rule, in the breakdown of cartilage surrounding the bone in the joints.

However, when OA affects the hands typically have a number of features. The first one is that this type of arthritis is hereditary, especially from mothers to daughters. It’s appearance also often related by the use of excessive joint. Thus, for example, is a condition associated with certain professions, such as musicians, athletes or hairdressers.

Pain is the symptom that defines osteoarthritis. The pain that can accompany inflammation, stiffness and limited movement. Sometimes when you move the joint can be heard a crunch. In advanced stages, osteoarthritis can cause deformities in the fingers (appearance of nodules). The base of the thumb tends to be the area most affected by osteoarthritis when manifested in the hands.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory the most common pharmacological treatment occurs rarely in case of mild to moderate pain. The applications of heat or dip your hands in warm water can help alleviate the pain. If there is inflammation, it is best to apply cold.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

As happens with osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women, especially postmenopausal. A condition that is caused by the narrowing of the carpal tunnel called the space formed by the bones and inside which is the median nerve, responsible for mobility and sensitivity of the thumb and first three fingers, half of the fourth, hand. When the nerve is compressed, it produces pain and even seizure.

Among the risk factors for developing this disease is hypothyroidism, diabetes and other health problems such as fluid retention or overweight. Another factor to consider in diagnosis is that the joint problem can occur by performing a repetitive gesture. Just one repetitive motion, such as being the computer keyboard, can accentuate both this ailment such as arthritis, as well as the constant use of the mobile phone to send text messages.

Tingling or numbness of the fingers are often initial symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, it can cause pain in the wrist, the palm of the hand and sometimes the forearm. Pains that may cause difficulties to perform such everyday actions such as take a cup or open a door.

Try to move your wrist as little as possible, apply ice to reduce swelling and inflammatory pain is the most common treatment in cases of mild to moderate symptoms. In any case, you should always consult your doctor to confirm the causes of these joint diseases and apply the most appropriate treatment.

, , , ,