A guide to hand & wrist pain: understanding carpal tunnel syndrome & rheumatoid arthritis

Pain, numbness, or stiffness in your hands and wrists can be disruptive, affecting everything from typing at work to opening a jar at home. Understanding the potential cause of your discomfort is the first step toward managing it effectively. Two of the most common conditions affecting the hand and wrist in Australia are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand. It occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves to the hand, is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

CTS affects approximately 2.7% of the Australian population, with a higher prevalence among women.¹ Common risk factors include repetitive hand movements, the use of vibrating tools, hormonal changes (like those in pregnancy), and other medical conditions such as arthritis.² ³

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, primarily causing joint inflammation, pain, and potential deformity.

In Australia, it's estimated that approximately 514,000 people (2.0% of the population) live with RA.⁴ While it can occur at any age, the onset is most common between 40 and 60 years old, and it affects women two to three times more often than men.⁵ ⁶

Managing your symptoms & supporting your joints

For both conditions, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications. While treatment plans will differ, some common management principles can help ease daily symptoms:

• Support: wearing an orthopaedic brace can help reduce pain and support joint stability.⁴

• Lifestyle: gentle exercise and healthy habits, as recommended by a professional, can often ease daily symptoms.

The role of a supportive brace

For conditions like CTS and RA, a brace or splint is not a cure, but it can be an important tool for managing symptoms. By keeping the wrist and hand in a neutral position, a brace can help to reduce pressure on the median nerve in CTS or support an inflamed joint in RA. This can lead to reduced pain and better joint stability, helping you to perform daily activities with greater comfort.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing pain or symptoms in your hands or wrists, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a GP, physiotherapist, or rheumatologist, for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised management plan.

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Sources:

1. Physio Inq. "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | What are the treatment options?".

2. Carpaltunnel.com.au. "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome".

3. Verywell health. "What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?".

4. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. "Chronic musculoskeletal conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis".

5. National Library of Medicine. "Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis Development".

6. National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (UK). "What is RA?".