Elbow, wrist and hand pain are common and can affect everyday activities such as lifting, gripping, typing, exercising, or sleeping. Symptoms may appear suddenly after an injury or develop gradually due to repetitive use, changes in workload, or reduced recovery.
Most cases are manageable with the right approach. Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms helps guide safe recovery, reduce flare-ups, and support a confident return to activity.
Book an assessment to understand what’s driving your elbow, wrist or hand pain and what to do next.
Elbow, wrist and hand pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, weakness, or altered sensation affecting the arm from the elbow down to the fingers. Pain may involve muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, or surrounding soft tissues.
Symptoms may follow an acute injury, such as a strain or impact, or develop gradually due to overuse and repetitive movements. In many cases, pain is influenced by a combination of activity levels, load, posture, strength, and recovery rather than a single cause.
Symptoms vary between individuals, which is why assessment can help clarify likely contributors.
Elbow pain is often linked to repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements, but can also follow trauma or sudden changes in activity.
Terms such as “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow” are often used to describe tendon-related elbow pain. These labels describe symptom patterns rather than a single diagnosis, and symptoms can overlap.
Wrist pain may affect one or both wrists and is commonly linked to repetitive use, desk work, exercise, or weight-bearing through the hands.
Wrist pain may involve joints, tendons, or nerve sensitivity and often responds well to conservative management.
Hand pain can affect grip strength, dexterity, and fine motor tasks and may involve the palm, fingers, or thumb.
Some hand symptoms overlap with nerve-related conditions, which is why reassurance and appropriate assessment are important.
Back pain rarely has a single cause. It is more often a combination of triggers and contributing factors.
- Repetitive gripping or lifting
- Prolonged typing or mouse use
- Repeated wrist or finger movements
- Sudden increase in training or workload
- Returning to activity after time off
- Inadequate recovery between sessions
- Reduced strength or endurance
- Limited joint mobility
- Compensatory movement patterns
- Prolonged static postures
- Neck, shoulder, or arm tension
- Sensitivity rather than structural damage
Pregnancy and postnatal changes can also influence how the back and pelvis cope with load and movement.
If this is relevant for you, it is worth mentioning during an assessment so the plan fits your current needs.
These terms are commonly used to describe patterns of elbow, wrist or hand pain. They are included for understanding rather than diagnosis.
Often used to describe tendon-related elbow pain linked to repetitive gripping or wrist movements. Symptoms may fluctuate depending on load and activity.
A condition associated with compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand. Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
A condition where a finger may click, catch, or lock during movement. Symptoms vary in severity and may improve with conservative care.
A general term describing pain linked to repetitive movements or sustained postures, often involving desk work or manual tasks.
Recognising red flags helps ensure timely care.
Recognising red flags helps ensure timely care.
Transparent pricing, with appointment lengths that respect your time.
Medication advice should be discussed with a pharmacist or GP.
Treatment is guided by symptoms, goals, and how the body responds over time.
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your symptoms, daily activities, work or training demands, and goals. This helps guide a personalised plan.
Physiotherapy may help improve strength, movement control, and confidence with activity through progressive rehabilitation.
Osteopathy may help address joint movement, muscle tension, and how different areas of the body work together, particularly where compensations are contributing.
This varies depending on your symptoms, how long they have been present, and your goals. Progress is reviewed regularly.
If elbow, wrist or hand pain is affecting your work, exercise, or confidence in movement,
assessment can help clarify what’s driving it and what to do next.
If elbow, wrist or hand pain is affecting your work, exercise, or confidence in movement,
assessment can help clarify what’s driving it and what to do next.
Often a combination of load, repetition, strength, posture, and recovery factors.
Many conditions can cause similar symptoms. Assessment helps clarify likely contributors.
Complete rest is rarely needed. Modifying activity is often more helpful.
Recovery varies depending on symptoms and management approach.
Imaging is not always necessary and is only recommended when appropriate.
Physiotherapy is often helpful for rehabilitation and safe return to activity.
Osteopathy may help by improving movement and reducing strain in contributing areas.