Physical Therapy Stretches for Pain in the Heel of the Hand

Pain in the heel of your hand may cause significant discomfort. Depending on the source of the injury, you may be unable to perform certain tasks without pain. Everyday tasks such as grasping an item or typing may become daunting or even impossible. Once your doctor diagnoses the source of your hand pain, she may prescribe physiotherapy to decrease pain and to improve dexterity, range of motion and utility.

Research

The repetitive-use injuries known as tendinitis, or swelling of the tendons, and carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition in which the tendons in the carpal tunnel swell compressing your median nerve, respond well to physical therapy, according to "Isokinetics and Exercise Science" in 2001 and the "Journal of Hand Therapy" in 2004, respectively. Osteoarthritis and basal joint arthritis both may affect the base of the thumb and palm of the hand, causing pain in the heel of your palm. The "Journal of Hand Therapy" reported in 2010 that research supports the use of hand exercises, heat therapy, orthotics, joint protection education and adaptive equipment for improving grip strength and function.

Fist to Fan

The American Physical Therapy Association, or APTA, indicates that your physical therapist will design a treatment specific to your injury. However, the APTA suggests isometric and stretching exercises can be done at home to stretch the forearm and strengthen the muscles in your hands and wrists. One simple exercise involves tightening your hands into a fist and then releasing, fanning out your fingers. Repeat this five times.

Fist Extension

To perform a fist extension, begin by holding your hand with fingers pointing straight up. Bring your fingers downward toward your knuckle joint to form a hook. Hold this position for five seconds and then release, repeating five times. Next bring your fingers down to the heel of your hand, forming a straight fist. Hold for five seconds and release, repeating five times. Finally, curl your fingers into a full fist and hold for five seconds. Release and repeat five times.

Wrist Flexion

Hold your arm out in front of you at shoulder height, palm facing upward. Bend your wrist downward, extending your fingers toward the floor, and hold for five seconds. Next bring your fingers upward, curling to form a fist and flexing your wrist toward you. Hold the flexed position for five seconds. With your fist still flexed toward you, rotate your elbow so that it points out from your side. Extend your arm to the side, keeping your arm at shoulder height, parallel to the ground. Bend your wrist and extend your fingers toward the ground, holding for five seconds.