Upper Limb – Wrist and Hand

Knowing the area: The wrist and hand make up one of the most complex structures in our bodies, consisting of more than 25 separate bones and a maze of muscles, nerves and tendons.The wrist gives the hand up-and-down and side-to-side movement.

Common Problems: Sprains, ligament tears, fractures, tendonitis, tendon inflammation and ‘carpal tunnel syndrome’ which is characterised by burning pain and numbness.

Common Cause: Daily wear and tear, external forces which force the fingers and wrist out of the normal range of motion, heavy pressure on the thumb and fingers, actions that twist or swing the wrist such as using a screwdriver, repeated unsupported wrist movement such as typing and using a mouse. Incorrect stroke technique i.e. using the wrist instead of the arm and shoulder particularly in sports like golf and tennis can also cause injury.