Wrist/Hand Pain
WRIST PAIN TREATMENT WITHOUT SURGERY
The wrist and the hand are made up of many small bones and joints. If one of those becomes fractured, it can result in pain and discomfort for some time. However, when the wrist or hand pain is ongoing and severe, it could be a sign of either arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Osteoarthritis
Wrist arthritis eliminates the cartilage between the bones in the wrist area, which then causes the bones to rub against each other, hence the wrist pain. There are four types of wrist arthritis: osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused due to the cartilage’s natural wear and tear over time, usually as a person ages. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop as a result of wrist injuries. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, on the other hand, are diseases that develop without a clear cause. Excessive pressure or use of the hand joints are also factors known to increase the likelihood of developing wrist arthritis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the wrist’s median nerve is pinched precisely in the carpal tunnel region of the wrist. When this happens it causes hand pain, as well as a numb and tingly feeling in the area. Although there are many reasons for which carpal tunnel may develop, common ones include fractures, arthritis, nerve-damaging or inflammatory conditions, and the repetitive bending of the wrist for long periods of time. Basically, anything that puts pressure on the median nerve through the carpal tunnel region can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
While hand or wrist pain may be indicators of wrist arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, there are many other symptoms that may also present themselves depending on the severity and type of condition. Other symptoms a person may experience in the wrist or hand include stiffness, numbness, swelling, limited motion, weakness, cracking or grinding when moved, and tingling. If a person is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to go to the doctor to correctly identify the cause. If diagnosed with either wrist arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, a number of treatment options, including cold laser therapy, are available alternatives.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is one treatment that can treat wrist injuries. Using a small handheld device, we directly target your area of discomfort for several minutes. During this time, small non-thermal photons of light pass through the layers skin penetrating further than any ice or heat treatments can reach. Once the light passes through the skin layers to damaged tissue, it is absorbed by cells in the affected area. A fascinating series of events is then initiated which results in a sort of “self repair” of the damaged tissue. Here is where the pain, swelling and overall inflammation is reduced while healing is accelerated.
Contact us today to learn more about Cold Laser Therapy!
Say Goodbye to Pain and Hello to Living
Providing Chiropractic Care & Injury Rehabilitation to the North Shore Community