Hand and Wrist Pain

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve and the flexor tendons that pass through it. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tunnel narrows and pressure is placed on the median nerve. This abnormal pressure can cause:

• Decreased fine motor skills
• Pain and stiffness
• Burning or tingling sensation
• Gradual numbness
• Weak grip strength

Individuals who develop this condition often have a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome or perform repetitive motions of their hands and wrist that irritate the tendons over time. Since symptoms of this condition are usually exacerbated at night, wearing a brace or splint while sleeping may reduce pressure on the median nerve.

If you’re experiencing pain, tingling, or weakness in your wrist it could be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Take a quick quiz to find out if your wrist pain is caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A ganglion cyst is a benign mass or lump that most frequently develops on the wrist. Ganglion cysts commonly form between the ages of 15 and 40 and are more likely to affect women. Although their exact cause is unclear, these fluid-filled cysts tend to arise more frequently in athletes who apply repetitive stress on the wrist. Most of the time, these cysts are harmless; however, larger ones may place pressure on the nerves in the joint, leading to pain, tingling, or muscle weakness.

A sprained wrist occurs when the ligaments in your wrist are stretched beyond their limitations, sometimes resulting in small microtears. This injury may happen as a result of over-twisting your hand or wrist too much or from blunt trauma to the region. Signs that you may have sprained your wrist include pain, swelling, bruising, and a limited range of motion. Wrist sprains can be classified into three distinct grades:

• Grade 1: least severe sprain, when ligaments have been overextended without tearing
• Grade 2: when there is partial tearing of one or more of the ligaments
• Grade 3: most severe sprain, when the ligaments have completely ruptured or torn away from their attachment to the bone