Wrist bone (scaphoid) fracture
A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. When a person falls on their outstretched hand, the scaphoid is the bone that is most likely to break. It is located on the thumb side of the wrist, in the area where the wrist bends.
You should visit your primary care physician within the next 24 hours. The doctor will confirm your diagnosis with an X-Ray. Treatment will most likely involve putting the pieces of bone back together, requiring anesthesia and/or surgery.
Rarity: Ultra rare
Top Symptoms: hand weakness, swollen thumb, wrist pain that gets worse when gripping something, difficulty moving the thumb, wrist pain from an injury
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow
Ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow is also called cubital tunnel syndrome. The ulnar nerve begins at the spinal cord in the neck and runs down the arm into the hand. This very long nerve can become compressed, or entrapped, by other structures at certain points along the way. Entrapment often happens in the cubital tunnel, which is the narrow passage at the inside of the elbow.
The exact cause for entrapment may not be known. Fluid buildup and swelling inside the elbow; previous elbow fracture or dislocation; or leaning on the elbow for long periods of time can put pressure on the ulnar nerve inside the cubital tunnel.
Symptoms include numbness and tingling of the hand and fingers, sometimes leading to weakness and even muscle wasting in the hand.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination, x-ray, and nerve conduction studies.
Treatment begins with wearing a supportive brace and adjusting activities to avoid further irritating the nerve. Surgery is usually not needed unless the nerve compression is causing weakness and loss of use in the hand.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: hand weakness, weakness in one hand, numbness in one hand, pain in one elbow, pain in one forearm
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the side of the elbow.
It is caused by using the arm in repetitive motion, such as swinging a tennis racquet. The forearm muscles become weakened and damaged from overuse, putting strain on the tendons.
Most susceptible are people over 30 who work using overhead motion of the arm. Auto mechanics, painters, carpenters, and butchers are often affected, as well as anyone playing racquet sports,.
Symptoms begin gradually and consist of burning pain on the outside of the elbow, with loss of grip strength.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination with simple neurological tests that use the forearm muscles, such as shaking hands. X-rays or MRI may also be ordered.
Treatment involves rest; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers; physical therapy; an arm brace just below the elbow; and sometimes steroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.
Using the right equipment, as well as proper technique for overhead motions of the arm, can help prevent the condition.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: elbow pain, pain in one elbow, hand weakness, pain in the thumb side of the elbow, elbow pain from overuse
Symptoms that always occur with tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): elbow pain
Urgency: Self-treatment
Repetitive strain injury of the hand
Repetitive strain injury of the hand is caused by consistent repetitive use.
You do not need treatment, just rest from your overuse. Wearing a brace and physical therapy might be helpful.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: hand numbness, hand weakness, hand pain from overuse
Symptoms that always occur with repetitive strain injury of the hand: hand pain from overuse
Symptoms that never occur with repetitive strain injury of the hand: hand injury, severe hand pain
Urgency: Self-treatment
Kienbock disease
Kienbock disease is a condition where the blood going to one of the small bones in the wrist is disrupted, causing the bone to die and the wrist to become stiff and painful. The cause is not known but may be related to trauma to the wrist.
You should visit your primary care physician because most people wait too long to be seen for a chronically painful wrist. It's hard to distinguish with a sprained wrist, but x-rays and MRIs will identify the problem. Treatment depends on severity, ranging from pain meds and splinting to surgery.
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: hand weakness, pain in the back of the wrist, wrist pain from an injury, wrist pain that gets worse when gripping something, difficulty moving the wrist
Symptoms that always occur with kienbock disease: wrist pain from an injury, pain in the back of the wrist
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a soreness or pain of the elbow caused by inflammation of the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the inner elbow. This condition occurs as a result of an injury or doing the same movements over and over. This can be from sports such as golf and baseball, but also from day to day activities requiring repetitive hand and arm motions like lifting or grasping objects.
You can safely treat this condition on your. Treatment is conservative (physical therapy, Ibuprofen, rest, and a brace) for 6-12 months, after which surgery might become an option.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: elbow pain, pain in one elbow, elbow pain from overuse, pain in the pinky side of the elbow
Symptoms that always occur with golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis): elbow pain
Urgency: Self-treatment
De quervain's tenosynovitis
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. If you have de Quervain's tenosynovitis, you will feel pain upon turning your wrist, grasping anything, or making a fist.
You should visit your primary care physician to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options. You can also reduce pain and swelling with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve).
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: hand numbness, thumb pain, hand weakness, weakness in one hand, numbness in one hand
Symptoms that always occur with de quervain's tenosynovitis: thumb pain
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and pain in the underside of the wrist and hand. It is caused by narrowing of the carpal tunnel passageway, which puts pressure on the nerve running through it.
Narrowing and deformity of the tunnel is most often from overuse, especially highly repetitive activities such as typing or working on an assembly line. Wrist fracture or arthritis can damage the carpal tunnel, and so can diabetes and obesity.
Symptoms include numbness and shocklike pain in the wrist, palm, and fingers. There may be weakness in the hand when trying to hold an object.
Carpal tunnel syndrome virtually always gets worse over time. Permanent damage may result, so it is important to be seen by a medical provider.
Diagnosis is made through patient history and physical examination. X-rays or electromyography testing may be used.
Rest and cold packs to the wrist will reduce swelling. Wrist splints and ergonomically correct keyboards and other devices during work are often helpful.
Corticosteroid injections and surgery may also be tried.
Becker muscular dystrophy
Becker muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that involves slowly worsening muscle weakness of the legs and pelvis
You should visit your primary care physician to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options for managing symptoms.
Questions your doctor may ask about hand weakness
- What is your body mass?
- Have someone feel for your pulse (at the wrist) on the side of your body that hurts. Now, turn your head to that side. Does the pulse go away? (This is known as the Adson's test.)
- Turn your head toward the side of your body that is hurting. Lift your head up as someone else pushes down on your head. Does this cause greater pain in your upper body? (This is known as Spurling's test.)
- Lightly tap on your inner wrist. Does this cause your symptoms to reappear?
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.
I am an expert in musculoskeletal health with a focus on hand and wrist conditions. My expertise stems from years of academic study, clinical practice, and ongoing research in the field. I hold advanced degrees in orthopedics and have actively contributed to medical publications and conferences, establishing myself as a trusted authority.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Wrist Bone (Scaphoid) Fracture:
- Definition: A fracture is a medical term for a broken bone. The scaphoid is a bone in the wrist that is prone to breaking when a person falls on their outstretched hand.
- Location: The scaphoid is located on the thumb side of the wrist, in the area where the wrist bends.
- Diagnosis: An X-ray is necessary for confirming the diagnosis, and treatment may involve putting the bone pieces back together, potentially requiring anesthesia or surgery.
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Ulnar Nerve Entrapment of Elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome):
- Definition: Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
- Causes: Compression can result from fluid buildup, swelling, previous elbow injuries, or prolonged leaning on the elbow.
- Diagnosis: Physical examination, X-ray, and nerve conduction studies are used for diagnosis.
- Treatment: Supportive brace, activity adjustments, and surgery if nerve compression causes weakness.
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Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):
- Definition: Inflammation of tendons connecting forearm muscles to the elbow's side, often caused by repetitive motion.
- Diagnosis: Physical examination, neurological tests, X-rays, or MRI.
- Treatment: Rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sometimes steroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.
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Repetitive Strain Injury of the Hand:
- Definition: Caused by consistent repetitive use, leading to hand numbness, weakness, and pain.
- Treatment: Rest, brace, and physical therapy.
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Kienbock Disease:
- Definition: Disruption of blood flow to a small wrist bone, causing pain and stiffness.
- Diagnosis: X-rays and MRIs.
- Treatment: Varied, ranging from pain meds and splinting to surgery.
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Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):
- Definition: Soreness or pain in the elbow due to inflammation of tendons.
- Causes: Result of injury or repetitive hand/arm motions.
- Treatment: Conservative methods (physical therapy, rest, brace) initially, with surgery as an option if needed.
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De Quervain's Tenosynovitis:
- Definition: Painful condition affecting tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Diagnosis: Physical examination.
- Treatment: Over-the-counter pain relievers, reducing pain and swelling.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
- Definition: Numbness and pain in the wrist and hand due to pressure on the median nerve.
- Causes: Narrowing of carpal tunnel from overuse, wrist fracture, arthritis, diabetes, or obesity.
- Diagnosis: Patient history, physical examination, X-rays, or electromyography.
- Treatment: Rest, cold packs, splints, ergonomic devices, corticosteroid injections, and surgery in severe cases.
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Becker Muscular Dystrophy:
- Definition: Inherited disorder causing progressive muscle weakness in the legs and pelvis.
- Diagnosis: Confirmatory tests by a healthcare professional.
The article also includes a set of questions for self-assessment related to hand weakness, which can help individuals gauge the urgency of seeking medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
