Hand & Wrist Pain
Relief from hand and wrist pain in Papworth Everard, Cambridgeshire:
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We often take our wrists, hands, and fingers for granted, until pain makes even the simplest tasks difficult. When discomfort sets in, it can affect everything from work to basic daily activities.
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Wrist, hand, and finger pain is a common issue that affects people of all lifestyles, from athletes to office workers. It can result from repetitive strain, injury, or underlying health conditions. Understanding the cause of your pain is the first step toward effective treatment, helping you regain comfort, restore function, and get back to doing what matters most.​
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Below are just some of the wrist, hand and finger conditions our expert team treats. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you move confidently from pain to peak performance.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Do you ever get woken up by pins and needles in your hands? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and arm. It occurs when the median nerve, one of the main nerves supplying the hand, is compressed as it passes through the wrist. The carpal tunnel itself is a narrow passageway made up of bones and ligaments. Within this tight space, the median nerve and several tendons work together to control sensation and movement in your thumb and fingers. When pressure builds in this area, it can significantly affect hand function. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time, including: - Tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. - Sharp, electric-like pain that can travel from the wrist up the arm. - Hand weakness, reduced grip strength, or clumsiness. - Night-time symptoms, often waking you due to numbness or discomfort. Several factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, including repetitive hand use, prolonged or awkward wrist positions, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. It is also more common during pregnancy due to fluid retention, and in individuals with naturally narrower carpal tunnels. Importantly, research shows that many people with carpal tunnel symptoms may also have involvement higher up the arm or at the neck. That’s why our physiotherapists take a comprehensive approach, assessing everything from the neck down, to identify the root cause and deliver effective, long-lasting relief.
Tendon Pains / De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Wrist tendon pain is commonly caused by overuse or injury, leading to irritation and inflammation of the tendons around the joint. It often presents during activities that involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive movements, with symptoms ranging from a dull ache to sharp pain, sometimes accompanied by swelling and stiffness. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a specific form of tendon irritation affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It typically causes pain and tenderness, especially during gripping or twisting actions, along with swelling near the base of the thumb and difficulty moving the thumb or wrist. Early physiotherapy assessment and targeted treatment are key to reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preventing the condition from becoming persistent, helping you return to everyday activities with confidence.
Ligament Sprains
A hand or wrist ligament sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the joints are stretched or torn, often as a result of a fall or sudden injury. This can lead to pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced movement, making everyday tasks more challenging. Early physiotherapy plays a vital role in restoring strength, mobility, and function, helping you recover and reduce the risk of long-term issues.
Fractures
Hand and wrist fractures occur when one or more bones in the hand or wrist break, commonly due to falls, sports injuries, or accidents. These injuries typically cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the hand or wrist. Treatment may involve immobilisation with a cast or splint, and in some cases, surgery to realign the bones. Physiotherapy is a crucial part of recovery, helping restore strength, mobility, and full function so you can safely return to your normal activities.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the wrist, fingers, and hands, often limiting movement and making everyday tasks more difficult. It can result from wear and tear over time, autoimmune conditions, or previous injuries. Symptoms may include tenderness, reduced mobility, and difficulty gripping or handling objects. Early assessment and the right treatment approach can help manage symptoms effectively, maintain joint function, and support a more active, comfortable lifestyle.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy for hand and wrist conditions focuses on relieving pain and restoring function through a combination of hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation. This may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, taping, acupuncture, and tailored exercise programmes.
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Our physiotherapists will also empower you with practical strategies to support your recovery, such as specific stretches and strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence. We provide expert guidance on managing workload, incorporating effective breaks, and reducing strain during daily activities. Where appropriate, we can also advise on posture correction and recommend ergonomic solutions, such as specialist keyboards or mice, to support long-term hand and wrist health.