HANDS UP WHO GETS HAND, WRIST OR ARM ACHE !

Ever wondered what those strange aches and pains maybe? Well we at Therapy Tylino, have put together a basic guide to some common syndromes, all of which can be relieved if not eradicated through massage.

Pins and needles is a tingling or burning in part or all the hand. Usually the first symptom, and will start in the index and middle fingers.

Dryness of the skin developing in the same fingers, numbness of the same finger(s), or in part of the palm. Pain in the same fingers. The pain may travel up the forearm and even to the shoulder, weakness of some muscles in the fingers and/or thumb occurs in severe cases.

Nerves of the hand

The main nerves of the hand are the radial nerve, the median nerve, and the ulnar nerve. Each nerve gives movement and feeling to different areas of the hand.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

The radial nerve passes through a tunnel near the elbow. It crosses the outside of the elbow before it winding down the forearm to the hand. On the lateral part of the elbow, the radial nerve enters a tunnel formed by muscles and bone; called the radial Tunnel.

Passing through the radial tunnel, the radial nerve runs below the supinator muscle. It attaches to the muscles on the back of the forearm. The supinator muscle twists your hand. The motion used when using a screwdriver to tighten a screw.

Radial tunnel syndrome is about three times more common in diabetics than in the general Population.

Radial Nerve Compression

Radial nerve compression neuropathy may cause the experiences pins and needles or numbness of the back of the hand, weakness of finger extension, or weakness of wrist extension, wrist dorsiflexion weakness as well as pain. It can be mistaken for “Tennis elbow.” This condition is common in people who perform repetitive wrist and hand motions.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the ulnar nerve where it crosses the inside edge of the elbow. The symptoms are very similar to the pain that comes from hitting your funny bone. When you hit your funny bone, you are actually hitting the ulnar nerve on the inside of the elbow. There, the nerve runs through a passage called the cubital tunnel. When this area becomes irritated from injury or pressure, it can lead to cubital tunnel syndrome.

Cubital tunnel syndrome has several possible causes. Constant direct pressure on the elbow over time, or alternatively the constant stretching of the ulnar nerve, through a regular bending action. The ulnar nerve can also be damaged from a blow to the cubital tunnel.

Symptoms are, pins and needles the pinching of the ulnar nerve. A numbness and pain in the small and ring fingers and weakness of the muscles in the hand. Symptoms may be felt when the elbow is bend for a long time, such as when talking on the phone or while sleeping.

Tapping or bumping the nerve in the cubital tunnel will cause an electric shock sensation down to the little finger. This is called Tinel.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The wrist comprises of eight small bones called carpal bones which are retained in place by a ligament that lies across the front of the wrist. Sandwiched between this ligament and the carpal bones is the carpal tunnel. The median nerve and tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the fingers pass through the carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is where the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through the Carpal tunnel. When the nerve is squeezed it can cause pain or aching, tingling or numbness in the affected hand.

Inflammation can cause excess pressure in the wrist and on the median nerve, or underlying medical issues such as, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis diabetes, fluid retention, fractures or trauma to the wrist, high blood pressure and thyroid dysfunction. It can be worsened if the wrist is overextended repeatedly. Poor positioning at a keyboard or mouse, prolonged exposure to vibrations felt for example in power tools, any repeated movements such as playing the piano, to name but a few. Treating all of the above syndromes early with remedial massage therapy and lifestyle changes can lead to elimination of symptoms and significant long-term improvement. Untreated radial tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, disability, and loss of hand function.

Numbness or pins and needles could indicate an undiagnosed problem. Therapy Tylino come directly to you, allowing you to relax even more in the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, for your convenience we can come to your office. We pride ourselves on being highly qualified, and continuously strive to offer increasingly more types of massage therapy. We offer tailor made solutions to your particular complaint.

Call today for your first personal treatment plan, and start your road to recovery !!