Most people experience different disorders in the upper body, including the arm, shoulder, elbow, and hand. These body parts are the upper extremity. Injuries to the upper extremity can range from minor sprains to major trauma such as a broken bone. Several factors such as lifestyle choices, genetics, and traumatic injury can contribute to upper extremity problems. You need to see an Upper Extremity Specialists if you have this condition.
Below is an explanation of the upper extremity condition, its causes, symptoms, and what to do.
What is the upper extremity condition?
Upper extremity condition, also known as UEC, is a disorder that causes weakness in the arms, wrists, and hands. UEC is caused by damage to the nerve fibers in these body parts. These nerves help control how muscles move. When damaged, they cannot correctly send signals to the muscles. A person with an upper extremity condition will have trouble using their arms and hands.
There are different types of upper extremity conditions. A stroke or spinal cord injury can cause it, or it can be a symptom of another medical condition like multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome. It is possible for someone to have multiple sclerosis and a stroke simultaneously, which would cause both problems to worsen.
The severity of UEC varies from person to person. Some people have mild upper extremity conditions, but others have moderate or severe symptoms that affect everyday activities like holding objects, bathing, or dressing.
Common symptoms of upper extremity condition
The symptoms of upper extremity condition can include:
Redness and stiffness – When an arm or wrist is injured, it usually swells and becomes red and tender to the touch. This problem with circulation is called inflammation. It is often associated with pain as well.
Tender muscles – In some cases, you may have aching muscles in your shoulders and neck along with your joints.
Cramping of the muscles – Common symptoms of upper extremity condition include aching and cramping. The pain is usually caused by overuse but can also result from an underlying problem, such as inflammation.
Swelling around the joint – Swelling is the one symptom that seems most common for upper extremity conditions. The swelling may be caused by fluid buildup in the joint itself. It may also be caused by fluid buildup in the muscle around the joint, which can compress the blood vessels and limit blood flow to the area.
What is the treatment for the upper extremity condition?
The upper extremity condition is a condition that affects the upper part of the body. There are many kinds of upper extremity conditions, some of which can be treated by exercise. Upper extremity conditions may need rehabilitation treatments.
Treatment for upper extremity conditions includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, and surgery. Physical therapy involves exercises to enhance upper limb movement, coordination, muscle strength and endurance, and activities to help promote a safe environment and prevent future injury or illness.
Examples of exercises include hand grip strengthening for people with carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist flexion for people with cubital tunnel syndrome. An occupational therapist can also advise you on how to manage pain in the workplace to allow you to carry on with your job.
It is highly recommended to seek treatment from your Upper Extremity Specialist if you are battling extremity conditions. A physical therapist can assess you, give you the resources to manage your condition, and train you to prevent future injuries.