Upper Extremities Bothering You? Find Relief for Your Elbow and Wrist Pains Today
There are numerous reasons why you may experience pain in these parts of your body. Whether your pain is stemming from an injury, ailment, or some other underlying condition, MDM Physical Therapy is here to help.
Your elbows and wrists are used thousands of times throughout the day. Just think about your typical morning routine: you get out of bed, brush your teeth, shower, get dressed, make breakfast, and begin your commute to work. In just that short amount of time, your elbows and wrists performed hundreds of different movements!
Contact our Mesa, AZ physical therapy office today at (480) 832-9308 to schedule your consultation and find out how we can help you relieve your painful symptoms!
Physical therapy and upper extremity pain
Whatever condition may be causing your upper extremity pain, MDM Physical Therapy can help. With our advanced treatment methods, we can alleviate your pain, restore your range of motion, and return you to your normal life.
One of our Mesa, AZ physical therapists will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the source of your pain and severity of your condition. Afterward, our physical therapist will construct a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs.
This may include any combination of specialized treatments as our physical therapist deems fit, such as targeted exercises and stretches, ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, ultrasound, or IASTM.
What’s causing my elbow and wrist pain?
Several joints, bones, muscles, and tendons make up your upper extremities. Because of their complex nature, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out where the pain is stemming from.
A few of the most common conditions leading to elbow and wrist pain include:
Elbow Bursitis
At the end of everyone’s elbow is a fluid-filled sac called the “bursa” that serves as a cushion to the elbow bone, also known as the “ulna.” Bursitis can occur when the bursa is compressed due to an injury or repetitive motion, resulting in pain and swelling. Because of this, it is common to see this condition in athletes and students. Elbow pain can be called many things, depending on what activity caused the pain. For example, a tennis player may refer to their elbow pain as “tennis elbow,” a golfer may call their elbow pain “golfer’s elbow,” and a student may say they have “student’s elbow.”
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Much like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome is another common form of nerve damage that can lead to elbow and wrist pain. It is caused by repetitive pressure on the ulnar nerve, which is located on the outside of your elbow and is commonly referred to as the “funny bone.” When pressure is put on the cubital tunnel and surrounding nerves, it can cause tingling, numbness, and pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
The American Physical Therapy Association states that carpal tunnel syndrome impacts approximately 5% of all Americans. The main job of the carpal tunnel is to protect the median nerve on the inside of your wrist, as well as the tendons you use to bend your fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the carpal tunnel becomes constricted or pinched, which can result in pain within the nerve that can extend throughout your entire arm. A constricted carpal tunnel is typically caused by an injury or by repetitive job-related use, such as assembly-line work, keyboard-heavy work, or driving heavy machinery.
Arthritis
Arthritis is very common and affects approximately 53 million Americans. In fact, according to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the most common form of disability in the United States. There are many different forms of arthritis, but it is typically caused by repetitive motions or an injury that impacts the cartilage within the joints of your elbow and wrist.
Sprains/Strains
Sprains and strains to the elbow and wrist can also result in pain.
Why do I have these symptoms?
Most upper extremity injuries result in short-term pain; however, if your pain lingers for three months or longer, it is considered chronic. Chronic pain may indicate a deeper issue that needs addressing.
Elbow and wrist pain may range from mild to severe, and it may come and go throughout the day. It is also common to feel a tingling or numb sensation, especially in the fingers. Depending on the severity of your condition or injury, it may also limit the way you perform your daily tasks at home and work.
If elbow and wrist pain is limiting your daily life, don’t hesitate to consult with one of our Mesa, AZ physical therapists as soon as possible to find the relief you seek.
Find quick pain relief today
In order to provide you with pain relief, you will receive gentle, hands-on manual therapy during every visit. Specific exercise and stretches will be added to your treatment based on your needs. In addition, special equipment may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. This may include deep tissue laser therapy, ultrasound, shortwave diathermy, electrical stimulation, percussion/vibration and heat or ice applications.
Don’t be limited by your elbow and wrist pain any longer. Contact Us Today at Mesa, AZ center to schedule an appointment. We’ll get you started on the right path toward quality treatment, so you can grab ahold of your active life again!
