Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel is defined by compression of the median nerve at the level of the wrist. This nerve passes through the carpal tunnel along with nine tendons which help you bend your fingers. The "tunnel" is created by the carpal bones and transverse carpal ligament. When inflammation occurs at the wrist this creates pressure on the nerve. The pressure leads to symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the fingers, pain radiating up the arm, and night pain. These symptoms can be evident when driving, holding newspapers and dropping objects. Compression of the nerve can result from repetitive use of the hands and writs, diabetes, and/or hormonal changes such as pregnancy.

DeQuervain's Syndrome: Also known as "washerwoman's sprain" this syndrome can be a product of overuse. This is and inflammatory disorder in which pain and discomfort is felt along the edge of the thumb and wrist. The tendons that straighten your thumb become inflamed following prolonged repetitive activity. The symptoms include tenderness at the base of the thumb, aching over the side aspect of the thumb and wrist. This discomfort can be aggravated by bending the thumb or straightening the thumb and with various wrist motions.

Lateral Epicondylitis(Tennis Elbow): Lateral epicondylitis is inflammation where the tendon of the muscle that extends your wrist attaches to the bone at the outside of your elbow. The symptoms of this may include tenderness to touch at elbow, minor swelling at elbow and/or pain upon resisted lifting or carrying. This often occurs after repetitive use of arm in an outstretched position with resistive activity (i.e. carrying groceries, filing, and athletics).

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow): Medial epicondylitis is the inflammation where the tendon of the muscle that flexes your wrist attaches to the bone at the inside of your elbow. The symptoms of this may include tenderness to touch at the elbow, minor swelling and/or pain upon resisted lifting or carrying.

Fractures: There are many types of fractures that may occur within the hand and wrist. Common types of hand and wrist fractures include Distal Radial Fracture, Smith's Fracture, and Scaphoid Fracture. Generally these can occur with falls with an outstretched hand or on to the back of the hand. Fro most fractures immobilization and/or operative repair is necessary.

Wound Care/Healing: Often following an injury there is a wound that requires attention. This may include dressing changes and cleaning to promote healing of tissue and scar management. Education becomes a large aspect of therapy so that the individual may also care for wounds and learn to identify possible changes that requires the doctor's attention.

Dupuytren's Contracture: Dupuytren's contracture is a disease of the underlying fascia of the palm and digits. This disease can cause the bending of fingers with the inability to straighten again. Operative treatment consists of removal of the diseased tissue to allow extension/straightening of fingers. This disease is more common in men versus women. Following operative treatment therapy becomes essential.

Lacerations (tendon and/or nerve): Lacerations of tendons may occur at many locations/levels and may include tendons and/or nerves. The lacerations are typically surgically repaired with therapy playing a very important role in the remainder of treatment. Therapy is usually initiated within 2-3 days of repair and becomes very specific as to level of injury and what was lacerated. Your therapist will provide specifics as therapy progresses.

Amputations: Amputations may occur traumatically or through surgical intervention. Following either it is common to experience many difficulties. Wound care, decrease of motion within remainder of hand, and increased sensitivity upon skin surface are all common in this situation. Along with physical adjustments come emotional as well.

Tendinitis: General terminology for inflammation of a tendon. This may result from overuse or repetitive use of hand or wrist within varied activities.