Hand and wrist pain can affect anyone. Athletes and laborers can get it after a long, hard day, but someone working at a computer can also experience it. Over time, repetitive movements and strenuous activity can take a toll on your hands and wrists.
Fortunately, not all cases of hand and wrist pain require a visit to the doctor. Self-care methods can provide pain relief and restore function if the pain isn’t too severe. You can also take steps to prevent the pain from becoming chronic.
Here are some useful tips for dealing with hand and wrist pain.
Rest
Sometimes, all you need to do is rest the affected hand when pain strikes. We sometimes tend to overwork our hands until they hurt, causing all sorts of problems.
If you play a sport, try toning down the intensity of your workouts or shifting to low-impact activities temporarily. If you’re an office worker, it helps to take frequent breaks to stretch your hands. Raise your hands above your head and rotate them to get the blood flowing and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Wear A Splint
A splint or a brace can help with hand and wrist pain. These devices keep the hand in a neutral position and support the joints in the hand and wrist.
If your hand and wrist pain is the result of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may ask you to wear a splint every night for a few weeks. A splint keeps your hand from bending and maintains proper alignment.
It’s best to consult with a hand doctor on what type of splint suits your condition and how long you should wear it. Wearing the wrong splint may risk worsening your symptoms. Working with a healthcare professional ensures that you can get the most out of this treatment.
Try Medications
Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter medications to reduce hand and wrist pain. You can also try applying topical creams. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking painkillers and report any side effects.
Exercise Your Hands
Like any other part of the body, physical activity can strengthen the tissues in your hands, making them less vulnerable to injury. Regular exercise can strengthen the muscles and help absorb the stress on your joints.
For more personalized advice, consider hand therapy. A certified hand therapist (CHT) can work with you to craft a rehabilitation plan specific to your needs and goals.
Improve Ergonomics
While hand and wrist pain can develop because of sudden impact, it can also occur because of repeated stress. Observe your workstation and pay close attention to how you position your hands and wrists while doing your tasks.
At the Office
If you spend long hours using a computer, it helps to keep your wrists in a neutral or relaxed position. Remember to take frequent breaks at least once every hour. You may also want to consider buying wrist support or other ergonomic work equipment to reduce the strain on your hands.
For Athletes
If you’re an athlete, it’s best to wear protective equipment for your hands — especially if you engage in high-impact activities like football and winter sports.
Visit Your Doctor
While home remedies are helpful, a healthcare professional is the best person to provide detailed advice and instructions for your condition. If hand and wrist pain continues to persist after conservative treatment, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can run the necessary tests to look inside your hands to correctly diagnose your issue and recommend effective treatment options.
In severe cases where non-surgical approaches are ineffective, your doctor may consider hand surgery. The exact procedure will depend on the nature and severity of your problem. After surgery, you will likely go through physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Hand And Wrist Doctor In Miami and Plantation, FL
Don’t wait for your hand and wrist pain to get worse. Pain is a sign that something’s wrong, so it’s best to address it as soon as you can. Without timely intervention, the symptoms may become long-lasting and cause long-term damage.
If you’re looking for treatment options for hand and wrist pain, visit The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center. Dr. Tosca Kinchelow is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who can address all types of hand and wrist problems. Dr. Kinchelow can craft a treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals.
Should you require surgery, you can rest easy in the capable hands of Dr. Kinchelow and our team. Dr. Kinchelow can perform delicate procedures to reduce hand pain and restore normal hand and wrist function.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kinchelow, call us today at (954) 635-5300 or fill out our online appointment request form. We have offices in Miami Lakes and Plantation to serve you. Give us a call today, and let us give your hands the care they deserve.
