Conditions & Diagnoses: A-Z

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Sprains and Strain of the Carpometacarpal Joint

Definition:
An injury to the carpometacarpal joint when the joint is carried through a range of motion greater than normal, but without dislocation or fracture; or an injury resulting from tensile force.
Symptoms:
  • Pain in the wrist/hand
  • Swelling in the wrist/hand
  • Point tender to the carpometacarpal joint
  • Weakness in the wrist/hand
  • Pain with grasping
  • Loss of ROM in the wrist/hand
Causes:
  • Overuse
  • Repetitive wrist/hand movements
  • Fall
  • Direct blow to hand
Treatment:
  • ROM and stretching
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Hand intrinsic muscle strengthening
  • Upper extremity strengthening
  • Posture program