Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve through the carpal tunnel, at the base of the hand, causes numbness and tingling of the fingers, weakness, and in some cases, pain. Night splinting and hand therapy can be effective in reducing symptoms and increasing function.
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DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis
This is a form of repetitive strain injury that is localized to the tendons of the thumb at the level of the wrist. The most common cause is sideways movement of the wrist with the thumb stabilized in a gripping position. Changing the causative activities combined with hand therapy are key to resolution.
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Epicondylitis
This is an overuse syndrome involving strain, resulting in an inflammatory response of the tendon on the inside (golfer’s elbow) or the outside (tennis elbow) of the elbow. Repetitive forearm use while gripping is a common cause. Restoration of muscle length and strength are important to recovery.
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Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis
Tendonitis or tenosynovitis can occur in the hand, wrist, forearm or shoulder. It is an inflammation of the tendon or of the sheath surrounding the tendon. Discussion of causative factors and activity modification is an important part of recovery in conjunction with splinting and hand therapy.
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Trigger Finger/Thumb
If the tendon or tendon sheath in the palm becomes thickened, the finger will lock or click when bent or straightened. Decreased irritation of the tendon by splinting, avoiding of locking or clicking, and minimizing pressure in the palm may decrease the problem.
