Managing Hand Pain

Hand pain can range from mild discomfort during specific movements to unbearable pain even at rest. For assessment purposes, it is important to establish whether the pain occurs during movement, which specific movements trigger it, how long it takes to settle, or whether it persists at rest and for how long. It is also important to determine whether there is night pain and how long it lasts. Hand pain may have the following characteristics:

• Sharp

• Knife-like

• Throbbing

• Burning

• Electric shock-like

• Superficial

• Deep

• Mild

• Dull

• Constant

• Intermittent

When hand pain appears, the immediate steps to take are:

• Rest the hand and avoid the activity causing the pain

• Apply ice to the painful area of the hand for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day (the ice should be wrapped in a towel)

• Gentle stretches of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers help maintain the flexibility of the hand

Assessment by a Physiotherapist is essential in order to identify the affected structures and to rule out, or confirm, the co-existence of other conditions with similar symptoms, such as:

• De Quervain's Syndrome

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Wrist Tendinopathy

• Fracture

• Joint pathology

Assessment by Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapist Mr Konstantinos Danalis involves a detailed case history, clinical tests, and a trial treatment session.

The priority is to reduce pain, which in some patients can be extremely acute. This is achieved through a combination of treatment options, such as specialist massage and the application of electrotherapy, which will reduce pain in every case. The hand is then mobilised through specialist exercises. As range of movement gradually increases, strengthening exercises for the shoulder are introduced; over time these regulate correct movement, allowing the hand to move freely without causing a recurrence. The interventions applied include:

• Stretches and stretching exercises to improve flexibility

• Dynamic shoulder stability through strengthening

• Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy to reduce pain and improve flexibility

• Electrophysical modalities such as diathermy, cryotherapy and electrotherapy, to reduce pain and inflammation

• TECAR for deep tissue heating and to accelerate recovery of the hand

Athanasia A.

Mr Danalis is a highly professional practitioner who gives the necessary attention to both the patient and their problem. Most importantly, the quality and effectiveness of his treatment is delivered in a creative and, above all, productive way. I recommend him wholeheartedly.

Erifyli S.

Mr Danalis knows his field very well and dedicates a great deal of personal attention to his patients! He has a positive attitude and has helped me enormously!! I trust him completely and recommend him without reservation.

Giota S.

He knows his field very well, spent a great deal of time on my problem and truly earned my trust! I will definitely recommend him!

To prevent hand pain in chronic conditions, a monthly programme is required that includes:

• Orthopaedic manipulative massage

• A structured exercise programme

More advice on prevention and self-management can be found at the following links:

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

• Recomendations for Patients by American Physical Therapy Association

The cost of treatment is not high. Typically, 6 sessions are required, during which the treatment programme is tailored each time to the patient's current condition. Once symptoms have settled, a structured exercise programme is introduced to prevent any recurrence. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so they can follow it independently, with the option of online supervision also available at low cost. The patient has the continuous support and communication they need with their Physiotherapist in order to address any difficulties.

If you have Hand Pain, call PhysioDanali today for specialist advice from your Physiotherapist!

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