These can present as simple and undisplaced fractures of the upper limb or they may present as complex fractures that have been surgically fixed and require an individualised post-surgical treatment approach. Common fractures include those of the wrist (distal radius and ulna, scaphoid and other carpal fractures) as well as those of the fingers (metacarpal and phalangeal fractures).
These are often associated with sports injuries as well as other types of trauma. Typical injuries that feature in the fingers and thumb may include mallet finger injuries, central slip injuries, volar plate and collateral ligament injuries.
The wrist is a complex structure that requires expert assessment and management and the right rehabilitation approach, whether it be a special support, taping or specific exercises to strengthen and condition the wrist.
Common problems include Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy (Tennis Elbow), Medial Elbow Tendinopathy (Golfer’s Elbow), De Quervain’s Syndrome and Trigger Digit pathologies.
These conditions may be treated non-operatively however in non-responsive cases they may require surgery and post-surgery therapy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (at the wrist) and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (at the elbow) commonly feature and can cause pain, tingling, numbness and/or muscle weakness and even poor function. These conditions may be treated non-operatively but in more established cases may require surgery and post-surgical therapy.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the hand, wrist and elbow can cause a unique pattern of joint pain, deformity and dysfunction. This means that every person presenting with this type of problem will have their own specific problems and specific goals for treatment. This will require a comprehensive and individualised approach for treatment.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) may develop as a result of injury, disease or surgery. This is an area that is still not fully understood, however new understandings of this problem and its management continue to be made. Currently, the adjunct of Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) techniques, patient education on the nature and mechanism of pain, along with conventional treatment techniques, is the most promising way to approach this problem.
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