Wrist sprains
A fall onto your hand can strain the ligaments. Pain in the hollow at the base of the thumb after a fall needs an X-ray to rule out a fracture.
Wrist & hand pain
Your hands do almost everything, so wrist or thumb pain can make work, gardening, sport and even opening a jar difficult. We find the cause and help you get your grip back.
Understanding wrist and hand pain
The wrist and hand are made up of many small bones, joints, tendons and nerves packed close together. Pain can come from the joints, the tendons that move your thumb and fingers, a nerve, or sometimes from your neck or elbow.
Common causes
Repetitive tasks such as typing, using tools or lifting a baby, a fall onto an outstretched hand, racket and gym sports, and age-related changes in the thumb joint are the most common causes.
A personal approach
We check your wrist and hand alongside your elbow, shoulder and neck, test your grip strength and feeling, and look at the tasks that bring your pain on.
Physiotherapy and osteopathy
Strengthening and mobility exercises, advice on how you use your hands and, where it helps, hands-on treatment can ease pain and stiffness. If you need a splint, a scan or a specialist opinion, we’ll tell you and write to your GP.
Common wrist and hand problems
A quick guide to the problems we see most often.
Thumb tendon pain
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, often called De Quervain’s, common in new parents and with repetitive gripping.
Thumb base arthritis
Aching at the base of the thumb when pinching or opening jars. Exercises, joint protection advice and a splint can help.
Tingling and numbness
Pins and needles in the thumb and fingers, often at night, can be carpal tunnel syndrome. We check your neck and arm too.
Our whole-person approach
Thorough assessment
A detailed consultation and examination of your hand, wrist, elbow and neck, including grip strength and nerve checks.
Treatment
Hands-on treatment where it helps, with advice on splints, tasks to change for now and how to keep using your hand.
Personal exercises
A simple plan to restore movement and grip strength, reviewed as you improve.
Your first appointment includes a full assessment and your first treatment. Book now to start your recovery.
Questions about wrist and hand pain
What happens at my first appointment for wrist or hand pain?
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes. We ask how the pain started and what makes it better or worse, then check how your wrist, hand, elbow and neck move, your grip strength and the feeling in your fingers. We explain what we find, agree a plan and usually start treatment the same day.
Do I need an X-ray?
Most wrist and hand pain doesn’t need one. After a fall onto your hand, an X-ray is needed if the bone is very tender, especially in the hollow at the base of your thumb, or if your wrist looks out of shape. Go to a minor injuries unit in that case.
Can you help with carpal tunnel syndrome?
We can assess it, check whether your neck is involved and advise on night splints, exercises and changes to your tasks, which help many people. If numbness is constant or your thumb muscles are getting weak, we’ll ask your GP to refer you on.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the cause of your pain and how long you’ve had it. We’ll give you an honest idea at your first appointment and review your progress at each visit. We won’t ask you to sign up to a long course of treatment.
Where are you, and do I need a GP referral?
We’re at 90 Fore Street in Chudleigh, just off the A38 and a short drive from Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Kingsteignton and Exeter, with convenient parking close by. You don’t need a GP referral, but if you’re claiming on health insurance, check with your insurer first.
When to get urgent help
Get medical help first if you have:
- A wrist that looks out of shape, or severe pain and swelling after a fall
- Tenderness at the base of your thumb after a fall onto your hand
- A hot, red, swollen finger or hand, especially after a cut or bite
- Sudden numbness or weakness in your hand, especially with face or speech changes
Go to a minor injuries unit or A&E for a possible fracture, and call 111 the same day about a hot, swollen hand. Sudden weakness with face or speech changes needs a 999 call.
Other conditions we treat
Lower back pain
Acute and chronic backache, lumbago and sciatica.
Neck pain & headaches
Neck pain, headaches arising from the neck, migraine prevention and nerve pain.
Shoulder pain
Rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder and more.
Sports injuries & strains
Muscle strains, sprains and minor sports injuries.
Rehab after surgery
Physiotherapy after knee, hip, shoulder and ankle surgery.
Strength & balance in later life
Feeling steadier and stronger as you get older.