Hand reflexology movement is an interesting area of study in its own right and is becoming an increasingly important topic as a result of the abundance of computer keyboards.
 
The contraction and extension of the anterior muscles and posterior muscles of hands, fingers and wrists play an important role in movement of the hand as do the intrinsic muscles located in the palm of the hand.
 
There are several problems that occur in the hands, which prevent complete movement and/or pain in the hands and arms. In many cases, hand reflexology can help alleviate this associated pain.
 
Here are some of the more common ailments -
 
Repetitive Strain Injury
 
For those working for long hours at a keyboard, this injury is becoming very common. It is only within the last few years that the medical profession has accepted that this injury is related to the type of work we do.
 
The cause of the injury is the restriction of muscle tendons of each finger by having the heel of the wrist placed on the top of a desk. The result of this is inflammation and pain to the hands and arms.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
 
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the entrapment of either the median or ulnar nerve at the wrist. The bones of the wrist are bound together by a membrane forming a tunnel. Through this tunnel pass the median and ulnar nerves, which carry messages to and from the hand and the brain. When these nerves become trapped, the messages become confused and mobility is painful and restricted.
 
Raynaud's Disease
 
Raynaud's disease affects the fingers and toes and is not a very common disease. It is a circulatory disorder that causes the small arteries to become hypersensitive to cold. Blood supply through the arteries becomes restricted due to contraction from the cold. This in turn causes the fingers and toes to take on a bluish appearance due to the lack of oxygenated blood. This disease can cause pain and is cosmetically disfiguring.
 
Osteoarthritis
 
The joints of the fingers become stiff and swollen as a result of flaking of the smooth lining of the bones of the finger joints. As this flaking continues, the breaking-down of the cartilage reveals the underlying bone, which thickens and distorts. This results in a restriction of movements and pain.
 
Tenosynovitis
 
Commonly known as triggerfinger. The membrane, that protects the tendons of the fingers and thumbs, becomes inflamed and swollen, causing it to tighten or narrow. This results in restricted movement of the tendons and straightens of the fingers. The area over the tendon becomes tender to touch, making the affected finger or thumb painful. A cracking noise can often be heard when the finger is moved.

Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's Contracture is a common condition in men over the age of forty and is also hereditary. Only the little and ring ringers are affected by this disease. Through the thickening and shrinkage of the tough, fibrous tissue under the skin on the palm of the hand, the fingers remain permanently bent at the knuckles.