Arm, hand and wrist pain can have several causes, including injury, tendon problems, arthritis or nerve compression. An assessment helps identify what is causing your symptoms before choosing care.
Call 911 for sudden arm pain with chest pressure, heaviness or squeezing. Do not wait for a routine appointment. See the NHS arm-pain guidance.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Gripping, making a fist or moving the thumb can be painful. Treatment depends on the assessment; learn more from the AAOS guide.
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. It may cause nighttime tingling, numbness or weakness in the hand. Persistent numbness or reduced grip deserves assessment.
A fracture is a broken bone and needs medical assessment. Pain, swelling and difficulty using the arm after an injury should not be treated as a routine ache. A wound over a suspected fracture or an obvious deformity needs emergency care.
Arthritis is one possible cause of joint pain, swelling or stiffness. Different forms require different treatment. An examination helps distinguish joint problems from tendon or nerve conditions.
Osteoarthritis can affect hand and wrist joints, causing pain or stiffness. Symptoms and functional limitations vary. Discuss suitable treatment and any persistent swelling with a clinician.
Closed describes a fracture without an open wound to the bone. Open (compound) fractures have a wound communicating with the fracture. Displaced means the broken pieces have shifted; these terms describe different features of an injury.
Treatment may involve a splint, cast or surgery depending on the fracture. See the AAOS fracture guide.
Care should match the cause of your symptoms. A routine assessment can help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate or whether you need medical, hand-specialist or orthopedic evaluation. Results and appointment availability vary.
For Beyond Wellness in Charlotte, book chiropractic care or call 704-461-1836.
