WRIST AND
HAND PAIN
Pain, tingling or stiffness in the wrist and hand are common with computer, phone or tool work. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, we establish whether the problem comes from the wrist, the forearm or the cervical spine.
The wrist is made up of several small bones, tendons and nerves that are exposed to overload during repetitive movements. However, the cause of the problem is often elsewhere: tension in the neck, shoulder or forearm can cause symptoms that the patient feels in the hand and fingers.
Why wrist and hand pain occurs
Causes range from local overload to problems in the cervical spine:
- 🔹 Repetitive movements during computer, phone or tool work
- 🔹 Pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- 🔹 Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist
- 🔹 Tension in the forearm and upper arm muscles
- 🔹 Referred tension or pressure on the nerve roots in the cervical spine
- 🔹 Previous wrist injuries, for example after a fall onto an outstretched hand
How wrist and hand problems present
Common signs are:
- 🔹 Wrist pain when moving or gripping
- 🔹 Tingling or numbness of the fingers, especially at night
- 🔹 A feeling of weak grip or frequently dropping objects
- 🔹 Stiffness of the fingers and wrist in the morning
- 🔹 Pain at the base of the thumb when opening jars or lifting a child
- 🔹 Pain spreading into the forearm
How we treat wrist and hand problems
We plan the treatment according to which structure is causing the problem - from local tension to the influence of the cervical spine.
1. Assessment of condition
Examination of the wrist, forearm, shoulder and cervical spine, and testing of sensation and strength.
2. Manual therapy
Release of tight muscles and improved mobility of the joints of the hand.
3. Guidance and exercises
Adjusting the workstation and wrist exercises that offload the affected tissues.
Wrist and hand pain we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Wrist pain from computer or smartphone use
- 🔹 Tingling in the fingers, especially at night
- 🔹 Wrist pain after overuse
- 🔹 Weakened grip and difficulty holding objects
- 🔹 Pain in the thumb and palm
- 🔹 Tension in the forearm muscles
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek a medical assessment if marked pain or swelling of the wrist appears after a fall, if the fingers stay numb permanently, or if you notice weakening of grip strength or wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb. These signs require investigation, for example electromyography (EMG).
For milder problems without an injury, early treatment makes sense, before the loading pattern becomes established.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about wrist and hand pain
Is tingling in the fingers always carpal tunnel?
No. Similar symptoms can also be caused by problems in the cervical spine or pressure on a nerve elsewhere along the arm. That is why a thorough examination is needed.
Can I sleep with a splint at night?
A night wrist splint relieves symptoms in some patients. The examination decides whether it is suitable.
Do I need an EMG test?
For persistent or progressing problems with numbness, a doctor may suggest it. Without signs of deficits, we often start with manual therapy.
How do I prevent problems when working at a computer?
The forearm should be supported, the wrist in a neutral position, and a short break with stretching is recommended every half hour.
Does manual therapy help with carpal tunnel?
In milder forms it can help offload the surrounding tissues; in marked nerve compression a medical assessment is needed.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the cause; milder problems often settle within a few visits, while long-standing ones require a longer programme.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.