Patient guide / Elbow, wrist and hand

Understanding elbow, wrist and hand pain

Pain in the same area can have different explanations. These guides explain the terms, care options and when to seek help. They cannot diagnose your condition.

Working draft · medical review pending
Working draft · medical review pending

This page is awaiting validation. It does not replace a consultation or a programme adapted to your situation.

Pain and conditions

Epicondylitis and epitrochleitis: understanding elbow pain

Carrying a bag, squeezing a tool or pouring a bottle can cause elbow pain. Understand the role of tendons and the possibilities for gradual recovery.

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Pain and conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome: tingling and nocturnal awakenings

Carpal tunnel can cause numb fingers, discomfort at night, and difficulty gripping. Find out what the examination, an splint and the treatments can provide.

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Pain and conditions

Ulnar nerve: tingling in the little finger and ring finger

An irritated nerve near the elbow can manifest all the way down to the hand. Understand the symptoms, possible adaptations, and signs that require evaluation.

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Pain and conditions

De Quervain: pain on the side of the thumb to the wrist

Grasping, lifting, or using the thumb may become painful. Understand the tendons involved, daily adaptations and treatment options.

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Pain and conditions

Osteoarthritis of the thumb and fingers: maintaining hand function

Osteoarthritis can make a key, jar, or button difficult to use. Understand the differences between joints and ways to adapt movements without giving up any movement.

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Pain and conditions

Trigger finger: a finger or thumb that catches

A painful click, a stuck finger upon waking, or discomfort in the palm can suggest trigger finger. Discover the explanations and options to discuss.

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Pain and conditions

Dupuytren's disease: nodules and cords in the palm

A nodule in the palm or a finger that straightens less can raise questions. Understand what is changing, when to consult and realistic treatment goals.

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Pain and conditions

Ganglion cyst: a lump on the wrist or hand

A smooth lump can change size and may be painful or painless. Learn what a ganglion cyst is, why a new lump needs assessment and when treatment may help.

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Pain and conditions

Sprained wrist: protect then return to activities

After a fall or twist, the wrist may be painful and swollen. The examination makes it possible to distinguish a sprain from other injuries and to organize an appropriate recovery.

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Pain and conditions

Wrist fracture: from a cast to daily use

A fracture of the radius or scaphoid does not always follow the same path. Understand protection, controls and gradual recovery after casting or surgery.

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Pain and conditions

Elbow fracture: stiffness, protection and recovery of the arm

After an elbow fracture, healing and return of movement must be reconciled. The program depends on the affected bone, stability and any associated repairs.

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Pain and conditions

Finger or thumb injury: lost movement and protection

A drooping fingertip, a suddenly spread thumb or a cut can affect a tendon or ligament. Early assessment helps choose the right protection.

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Pain and conditions

Elbow bursitis: a swollen pocket at the tip of the elbow

A pocket can swell on the tip of the elbow after pressure, blow or inflammation. Above all, it is important to diinsect bite or punctureuish a non-infected irritation from an infection.

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Pain and conditions

Swollen and stiff hands: think about inflammatory rheumatism

Persistently swollen joints and significant stiffness upon waking merit evaluation. Understand the role of the doctor, rheumatology and hand care.

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Pain and conditions

Algodystrophy or CRPS: persistent pain and changes in the hand

Unusual pain with extreme tenderness, swelling, or temperature changes merits evaluation. Understand complex regional pain syndrome and its care.

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Pain and conditions

Elbow, wrist or hand: when to seek medical help?

Some symptoms require immediate help, others a quick consultation. Spot situations where exercises and waiting are not the right first step.

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Text updated on

Medical review: awaiting Hasib Selimovic.

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