Hello Hands: The importance of keeping your wrists and hands healthy.

Written by Osteopath Georgia Hutchinson

Hand and wrist complaints may be more common than you think. Tension and stiffness can impact daily life, affecting everything from your work productivity to leisure activities. Despite their small size, our hands play a significant role in the ability to perform everyday functions with precision and strength. This is because your hands are made up of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles and over 100 ligaments and tendons, numerous blood vessels, nerves and soft tissues.

My Fun Facts about the Hands

Despite the hands' versatility and resilience, they can cause problems. Due to the increase of typing on computers, holding technological devices and exposure to sedentary lifestyles it is suggested that wrist and hand problems will begin to present more frequently.

Here are some of the most common hand issues

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can lead to pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.

Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often due to repetitive movements or overuse that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the wrist and hands.

Wrist Sprains: A fall onto an outstretched hand can cause stress on the wrist joints and therefore cause pain and stiffness.

Arthritis: Multiple forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints of the hands and fingers leading to pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion.

Trigger Finger: This condition causes inflammation of the tendons in the fingers. The finger can become ‘stuck’ in a bent position, making it more difficult to straighten the affected finger.

If you do have hand and wrist pain, whether it is due to overuse, injury or underlying conditions such as arthritis, finding effective relief can be crucial for your daily living. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to healthcare and promising solutions for addressing these issues. Not only do we assess the hand and its function but also any other associated symptoms that may influence the wrist and hand to perform optimally.

As Osteopaths we can employ a range of manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, muscle energy techniques, and myofascial release. Treatment aims to improve the mobility of the joints, release tension in the musculature, and restore adequate alignment. Therefore, an appointment with your osteopath may help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall wrist and hand function.

The wrists and hands are remarkable structures that enable us to perform a range of tasks with precision and dexterity. However, these intricate structures also make us prone to various issues and injuries. By understanding the anatomy of the wrist, recognising common problems, and embracing holistic approaches to care, we can promote health and function for a lifetime. Whether through ergonomic or biomechanical adjustments, mindful movement practices, or osteopathic intervention, investing in wrist and hand care is essential for overall well-being and quality of life.

Looking for support regarding a hand or wrist related problem? Our osteopaths are here to help. Give us a call on 0425 876 929 or book below.

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