Wrist / Hand | Harrogate Health Hub

The Wrist & Hand

Image of the anatomy of the hand and wrist

The wrist and hand form an essential part of our day to day function. The two joints are made up of a series of bones which are split into sections. The radius and ulna are the two forearm bones which end at the wrist joint

The carpal bones and metacarpal bones are in the palm, and the phalanges are the finger bones.

Movements of the wrist and hand are controlled by muscles that originate in the forearm and within the hand .

Despite being problematic and impacting on our day to day life, there's no reason why hand and wrist pain should stop you from continuing your everyday life. In most cases it can be easily managed by you at home. Use the links below to find out more about specific problems with your wrist or hand.

Common problems with the Wrist & Hand

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where the median nerve is compressed within a tunnel structure in the wrist.

Symptoms:

Altered sensation in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers in the palm side of the hand
Pain

The symptoms can be worse at night or when completing certain activities which involve the wrist in a bent or extended position.

Further Resources:

https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/21/carpal_tunnel_syndrome

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition where two tendons become irritated when they enter a tunnel structure around the wrist and thumb. The sheath/Layer that covers the tendons becomes inflamed and painful. De Quervain’s is not harmful, but can be troublesome.

Further Resources:

https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/19/de_quervains_syndrome

For more information about De Quervain's, below to download our information leaflet.

De Quervains leaflet

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Download PDF • 348KB

Distal Radius fracture is when the larger bone in the forearm (the radius) is broken at the end closest to the wrist. It most commonly occurs from falling onto an outstretched arm.

Occasionally, the fracture requires an operation to ensure the bones are in a good position, but the injury is often managed conservatively. For more information, download the information sheet below

DR Fracture 2020

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Download PDF • 1.19MB

Dupuytren’s presents as firm nodules beneath the skin in the palm of the hand. In some cases, they develop to form cords that prevent the finger or thumb from fully straightening.

It is a common condition that usually occurs in middle age or later in life, and is more prevalent in men than women.

Further Resources:

https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/25/dupuytrens_disease

For more information about Duptytrens, click to download an information pack below

dupuytrens patient advice leaflet

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Download PDF • 430KB

Mallet finger occurs when the tendon that straightens the end joint of the finger is torn or when the tendon pulls off a small piece of bone. This results in an inability to straighten the end joint of the finger.

Mallet injuries are caused when the end joint of the finger is forcefully pushed down, often through a sporting injury or by a minor incident, such as cleaning the carpet or tucking bed sheets.

Taping Mallet Finger:

Video Coming soon

Further Resources:

https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/28/mallet_finger_injury

For more information, download the information sheet below

Mallet Information leaflet

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Download PDF • 522KB

Thumb osteoarthritis ( Carpometacarpal Joint (CMC joint) is the joint at the base of the thumb.

Osteoarthritis at this joint is the gradual wearing away of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones at the joint (the trapezium and the first metacarpal). This leads to the trapezium and the first metacarpal bones rubbing together, causing pain and making it difficult for you to use your thumb.

Further Resources:

https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/24/basal_thumb_arthritis

Osteoarthritis Exercise Leaflet

Late Osteoarthritis of the Thumb

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Download PDF • 976KB

Trigger finger is a condition that causes catching or locking of a finger when it is bent into a fist or straightened. This is due to thickening of a tendon tunnel on the palm side of the hand or a nodule that forms at the mouth of the tunnel, most commonly at the base of the finger.

Further Resources:

https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/18/trigger_fingerthumb

https://www.hand-therapy.co.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/triggerfinger_nhs_england_leaflet.pdf

For more information, download an information pack below

trigger finger leaflet

.pdf

Download PDF • 255KB