Hand, Wrist, or Elbow Aching? Knowing When to Reach Out for Assistance
Hey there! When it comes to pain in your hand, wrist, or elbow, it's essential to know when to seek relief at home or when it's time for a doctor's visit. Dr. William Seitz, an upper extremity expert, shares some insights on determining whether to self-treat or consult a healthcare provider.
First off, have you recently experienced a fall or indeed any accident that accounts for your current discomfort? If so, it might be clear-cut with an obvious cause for the pain. On the other hand, sometimes the reason for pain isn't as straightforward – perhaps due to an infection, inflammation, or an underling metabolic issue like gout or diabetes-related neuropathy. In such cases, you might need professional assistance to find the root cause.
Let's review some common culprits behind these pains:
- Golfer's Elbow: Not limited to golf, this condition arises from repeated bending, grasping, twisting of your arm, and wrist, leading to inflammation in your tendons. The ulnar nerve in your elbow may be affected, causing pain in your little and ring fingers.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Repetitive finger and hand use can cause swelling about your wrist, leading to pressure on the median nerve and tendons, causing pain, weakness, tingling, and even numbness in your hand and wrist.
Arthritis can also play a factor in your discomfort:
- Arthritis in hand and wrist: Osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear on joint cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune condition leading to cartilage degeneration, may be responsible.
Muscle strains, ligament sprains, and other conditions can affect your thumb, finger, and wrist, causing pain throughout your hand.
If you're unsure whether your pain may stem from one of these conditions, don't worry! Take a moment to self-evaluate your symptoms. If your pain is moderate to severe, long-lasting, accompanied by swelling, redness, or stiffness, or if you cannot move past the discomfort, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are mild and seem to improve with self-care measures such as ice, over-the-counter pain medication, and rest, you may treat them at home.
Now, let's discuss self-care measures that can help alleviate pain:
- Apply ice for new-onset pain, or heat if the discomfort has lasted more than a day.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Use a stretchy elastic bandage or another compression device to wrap the painful or swollen area.
- Rest and avoid aggravating activities, if possible.
In some instances, pain may linger despite home remedies. If home treatment doesn't seem to yield results after a couple of days, or if symptoms persist or worsen, it's crucial to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- If you suspect that your hand, wrist, or elbow pain might be due to a health issue like gout or diabetes-related neuropathy, which can be underlying metabolic issues, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough examination.
- In the context of health and wellness, regular fitness and exercise, coupled with proper nutrition, can help strengthen our muscles and reduce the risk of conditions such as golfer's elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- When seeking relief for medical-conditions like arthritis or various strains and sprains, several therapies and treatments may be beneficial, such as ice or heat therapy, over-the-counter pain medication, or the use of compression devices. However, it's essential to monitor the progress of symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if they persist or worsen, even with home remedies.