Fingers can lock up due to inflammation, joint issues, or nerve problems, leading to pain and trouble moving them smoothly. Often called trigger finger, this occurs when a finger gets stuck in a bent or straight position, and may be accompanied by a popping or snapping sensation.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when there is too much pressure on the ulnar nerve. This nerve can be entrapped at the elbow or the wrist. Ulnar neuropathy symptoms include numbness in the hand, or tingling in the forearm and pinky side of your hand. It may cause pain, or progress to muscle weakness or atrophy (wasting away).
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons of your forearm. Symptoms may include soreness on the outside of the elbow and weak grip strength. Anyone can get tennis elbow, but people who put repetitive stress on the elbow are at higher risk.
The first steps in treating tennis elbow are reducing inflammation and resting the irritated muscles and tendons. Ice and compression can help. Then you can begin gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles and prevent a recurrence.
