Chronic Hand or Wrist Pain? It Could be a Repetitive Motion Disorder 

If you are suffering from chronic aching or pain in your hand or wrist, its important to understand that this is not normal. Many people who are at their computer all day, or who perform repetitious tasks such as factory work, get a little stiff or sore from time to time. But it your pain or discomfort is consistent – and or getting worse – you could be suffering from a Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs).

Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) refer to a wide range of medical conditions of the muscles resulting from repeated motions of the hand, wrist, fingers or arm. Typically these “RMDs” are caused by activities regularly performed in the course of your normal work or daily activities. The most common cause of RDM in 2024 is office / computer work. But many individuals who work in manufacturing, landscaping also suffer from Repetitive Motion Disorder.

And, athletes and video-gamers are also subject to the discomfort and hand and wrist damage of Repetitive Motion Disorder, too. Too many uninterrupted repetitions of any activity or motion, unnatural or awkward motions such as twisting the arm or wrist, overexertion, incorrect posture, or muscle fatigue all contribute to the likelihood that your activities will result in a Repetitive Motion Disorder.

Repetitive Motion Disorders of the Hand and Wrist

Typing on a keyboard for long periods every day every day, as well as operating the same equipment all day at work, playing an instrument, or even excessive cell phone usage can lead to Repetitive Motion Disorders of the Hand and Wrist. And while Repetitive Motion Disorders occur most commonly in the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, they can also occur in the neck, back, hips, knees, feet, legs, and ankles.

While occasional pain or soreness from overuse is not a cause for concern, ongoing discomfort can be a sign of many diseases that can be progressive if not diagnosed and treated early.

Some of the most common Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist include:

Symptoms of Repetitive Motion Disorders

The most common symptoms of Repetitive Motion Disorders, include:

  • Chronic pain or soreness
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Visible swelling or redness of the affected area
  • Loss of flexibility and strength.

However, Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist can be missed or misdiagnosed, because some people may have none of these overt symptoms and no visible sign of injury. Instead they may simply begin finding it difficult to perform certain routine day to day tasks.

How Hand Doctors Treat Repetitive Motion Disorders

With today’s busy schedules, it’s easy to postpone a trip to the doctor. However, it is very important to obtain treatment for a Repetitive Motion Disorder of the hand and wrist, even if you feel you “can live with it” – because RMDs can progress and cause temporary or permanent damage over time.

Untreated Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist can lead to damage of the soft tissues in the body, such as the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments – as well as severe compression of nerves or tissue. Long-term this can develop into permanent mobility and function issues.

Your hand doctor’s treatment for Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist will depend upon the type, degree and severity of the RMD. Hand doctors initially begin by having the patient reduce or stop the motion(s) or activity that they suspect may be causing symptoms. If the activity cannot be stopped entirely – for example computer work – the patient will be instructed to take frequent breaks from the motion believed to be causing the problem.

Other treatment options for Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist include:

  • Stretching and relaxation exercises
  • Ergonomic equipment such as chairs & keyboards
  • Icing the affected area
  • Medications such as pain relievers, cortisone, and anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Splints that relieve pressure on the muscles and nerves.
  • Physical therapy with a certified hand therapist

In more severe cases of Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist, the hand doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the pain and other symptoms, and prevent permanent damage. For example, many advanced cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can only be relieved by carpal tunnel surgery.

Hand Doctors’ Prognosis for Repetitive Motion Disorders

The good news is that most individuals with RMDs can recover completely, as well as avoid re-injury, if they work with a qualified and experienced hand doctor like Uzma Rehman, DO in the Bloomfield Hills area. By changing how they perform repetitive movements, reducing the frequency of the task causing the RMD, and getting proper physical therapy and exercise of the affected limbs, full recovery is a possibility if caught early.

However, without proper treatment, Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist can result in permanent injury and eventually lead complete loss of function in the affected area(s).

Repetitive motion disorders should always be diagnosed by a specialized hand doctor, as the symptoms can be similar, but the treatment will be different, depending upon the disorder. If you are experiencing chronic hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder pain that could be caused by a Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist, contact board certified hand surgeon Doctor Rehman with offices in both Shelby Township and the Bloomfield Hills area.

Top Bloomfield Hills Hand Doctor

If you live in the greater nd the Bloomfield Hills area and are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Bloomfield Hills area hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like Repetitive Motion Disorders of the hand and wrist.

Don’t suffer in silence with hand or wrist pain! Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation at her Shelby Township or Bloomfield Hills area office, and prescribe the treatments that relieve your pain and prevent long-term loss of mobility or function of your hand or wrist.

Bloomfield Hills Hand Doctor: 248.940.5233