Treatment Options for Hand & Wrist

The best treatment for your hand and wrist pain depends on its cause. Here are a few strategies from our Hinge Health physical therapists for mild to moderate pain. Discuss your options with your provider.

  • Exercise therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce hand and wrist pain and improve overall joint function. 

  • Ice and heat. Alternate between an ice pack and heating pad every 20 minutes to reduce inflammation and relieve stiffness. Soaking your hands and wrists in warm or cold water works, too. 

  • Over-the-counter medication. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can ease hand and wrist pain. Make sure they're safe for you to take.

  • Ergonomic adjustments. Hold smartphones and tablets in your palm and type with an index finger instead of your thumbs. Use ergonomic keyboards and adjust the height and angle of work surfaces. 

  • Braces. These provide support and immobilization. When used for short periods, they can reduce strain and allow pain to settle down.

  • A TENS unit. This uses gentle electrical pulses to ease pain. Hinge Health's Enso is a wearable pain relief device specially designed to reduce pain in your muscles. It's FDA-cleared; safe and effective; and small, wireless, and portable, so it's easy to use. Learn more here.

  • Steroid injections. For severe pain, cortisone injections in your hand or wrist can reduce inflammation and pain. 

For a proven, long-term solution, check your eligibility for our free program, paid for by most employers.

  • Wrist Flexor Stretch
  • Wrist Extensor Stretch
  • Wrist Bends
  • Hand Tendon Glides

Did you know?

Hinge Health members can work 1:1 with a physical therapist to get personalized exercise therapy program at home or on the go.Best of all, Hinge Health is available at $0 cost to you as it is covered by employers or health insurance plans.

Treatment Options for Hand & Wrist

The best treatment for your hand and wrist pain depends on its cause. Here are a few strategies from our Hinge Health physical therapists for mild to moderate pain. Discuss your options with your provider.

  • Exercise therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce hand and wrist pain and improve overall joint function. 

  • Ice and heat. Alternate between an ice pack and heating pad every 20 minutes to reduce inflammation and relieve stiffness. Soaking your hands and wrists in warm or cold water works, too. 

  • Over-the-counter medication. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can ease hand and wrist pain. Make sure they're safe for you to take.

  • Ergonomic adjustments. Hold smartphones and tablets in your palm and type with an index finger instead of your thumbs. Use ergonomic keyboards and adjust the height and angle of work surfaces. 

  • Braces. These provide support and immobilization. When used for short periods, they can reduce strain and allow pain to settle down.

  • A TENS unit. This uses gentle electrical pulses to ease pain. Hinge Health's Enso is a wearable pain relief device specially designed to reduce pain in your muscles. It's FDA-cleared; safe and effective; and small, wireless, and portable, so it's easy to use. Learn more here.

  • Steroid injections. For severe pain, cortisone injections in your hand or wrist can reduce inflammation and pain. 

For a proven, long-term solution, check your eligibility for our free program, paid for by most employers.

Did you know?

Hinge Health members can work 1:1 with a physical therapist to get personalized exercise therapy program at home or on the go.Best of all, Hinge Health is available at $0 cost to you as it is covered by employers or health insurance plans.
  • Wrist Flexor Stretch
  • Wrist Extensor Stretch
  • Wrist Bends
  • Hand Tendon Glides

Getting started is easy

Woman Stretching With Sensors
Tell us about yourselfComplete a 10-minute questionnaire to open your account and tell us about your experience with pain. Once your account is approved, you can log into the app.
Help us build your care planDownload the Hinge Health app and log in to your account. Then, do a few exercises so we can learn about your pain. This allows us to design the right care plan to help you do more every day, with less pain.
Start your programAnd start feeling better! As your pain improves, so does your care plan—with new exercises and tools to help you move with confidence.
Disclaimer
The information contained in these videos is intended to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment for any specific condition. Hinge Health is not your healthcare provider and is not responsible for any injury sustained or exacerbated by your use of or participation in these exercises. Please consult with your healthcare provider or work with Hinge Health directly with any questions you may have about your medical condition or treatment.