Common Concerns

Hand and wrist pain can be caused by trauma, repetitive use, congenital issues or degenerative disease. Below are some of the conditions most frequently seen by hand and wrist specialists.

Arthritis

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis lead to the degeneration of cartilage within joints, which can cause pain, stiffness and swelling. If caught in the early stages, hand and wrist arthritis can be treated when the damage is still minimal—these cases are most successfully treated with surgery. Surgical procedures might include:

Tenosynovectomy.

The removal of the inflamed synovial lining of the extensor tendons.

Synovectomy.

This procedure removes the synovial tissue from the joint compartment.

Joint reconstruction.

Small incisions are made to remove damaged tissue.

Any surgical procedure will also require the use of a splint or cast to protect the hand and/or wrist as it heals and to prevent reinjury.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

One of the most common hand complaints, this condition occurs when the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel is impinged upon by inflamed tendons in the wrist, creating pain, tingling and numbness. It can be caused by repetitive hand use, genetics, or hormonal changes from pregnancy, and sometimes occurs after a sprain or fracture. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated in the following ways:

• Brace or splint

• Medication

• Avoiding activity

• Surgery

Fractures

When enough force is applied to a bone, it breaks, causing pain and swelling and limiting use of the injured part. Fractures can happen to elbows, hands and wrists. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, it can be treated with:

• Cast or splint

• Surgery

• Ganglion Cysts

Small lumps or masses on the hands or wrists that are filled with synovial fluid. Sometimes they’re painless but the cysts can press on a nerve and cause pain, numbness, weakness and tingling. Once diagnosed, ganglion cysts will be treated with one or more of the following:

• Rest

• Aspiration or draining the fluid

• Surgery

Reach Out for Care

Other common conditions seen by hand and wrist specialists include chronic wrist pain, finger conditions and ligament tears, most of which can be treated by arthroscopic surgery. If you’re experiencing hand pain or suspect you might have one of these problems, contact Premier Orthopaedics today.