Common Hand & Wrist Concerns
Hand and wrist pain can be caused by trauma, repetitive use, congenital issues, or degenerative disease. Some of the most common concerns that patients bring to our hand and wrist specialists in Greater Philadelphia include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. This condition often leads to numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand, especially during activities like typing or holding a phone. Left untreated, it can affect grip strength and overall hand function. It is most often caused by repetitive hand use, genetics, and hormonal changes from pregnancy, but it can sometimes occur after a sprain or fracture.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis refers to the inflammation of tendons in the hand or wrist, usually caused by repetitive motion or overuse. This condition can result in pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion, making it challenging to perform everyday activities such as cooking or writing.
Arthritis
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis lead to the degeneration of cartilage within the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. For many individuals, arthritis can make tasks such as opening jars or buttoning shirts difficult and painful. If caught in the early stages, hand and wrist arthritis can be treated when the damage is still minimal, and cases have the most successful outcomes when surgery is performed.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger becomes stuck in a bent position and may snap straight with a popping sound. It can cause discomfort and restrict hand function, particularly during tasks that require repeated gripping or grasping.
Fractures and Dislocations
Fractures and dislocations of the hand, wrist, or fingers are often the result of trauma, such as falls or sports injuries. These injuries can cause immediate pain, swelling, and immobility. Without prompt treatment, they may lead to long-term functional limitations.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. While often painless, they can cause discomfort or interfere with joint movement if they press on nearby nerves.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It leads to pain and swelling near the base of the thumb, especially during activities involving grasping, pinching, or turning the wrist.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury commonly affects individuals who perform the same motion repeatedly, such as typing, using a mouse, or engaging in manual labor. Over time, this strain can lead to chronic pain, weakness, or numbness. If untreated, RSI can interfere with professional and personal activities, making it difficult to complete tasks like writing, using tools, or playing instruments.
Non-Surgical Options for Hand & Wrist Pain
Surgery is not always necessary to achieve significant relief from hand or wrist pain. In fact, many conditions can be successfully managed with non-surgical treatments. At Premier Orthopaedics, we conduct physical examinations, X-rays, and MRIs to get a clear picture of the condition or injury and then explore every available avenue to help patients heal without surgery whenever possible. This may include:
- Immobilization: Bracing or splinting the wrist or hand can give inflamed tissues a chance to rest and recover.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises, stretching, and hands-on therapies can improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections can help with pain management and inflammation.
- Occupational Therapy: Patients may benefit from learning new techniques and modifications to daily activities that reduce strain on their hands and wrists.
Our hand and wrist specialists work closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan, often combining multiple non-invasive therapies for maximum benefit.
Wrist & Hand Surgery Options
When conservative hand and wrist pain treatment methods aren’t enough, surgery may be the best route to restore function and alleviate pain. Our orthopedic specialists offer a variety of advanced surgical options tailored to the specific needs of each patient, such as:
- Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive procedure allows surgeons to examine and treat problems inside the wrist joint using a small camera and specialized instruments. It’s ideal for addressing ligament tears, cartilage damage, and other joint issues.
- Tenosynovectomy: This procedure involves the removal of inflamed tendon sheaths that may be causing pain and limited movement, commonly due to rheumatoid arthritis or chronic tendonitis.
- Synovectomy: In cases of chronic inflammation in the joint lining, such as in rheumatoid arthritis, a synovectomy can help by removing the affected synovial tissue to improve function and relieve pain.
- Joint Reconstruction: For patients with severe arthritis or joint damage, reconstructive procedures can help restore motion and relieve pain. This may involve tendon transfers, ligament reconstruction, or even joint fusion, depending on the condition.
- Carpal Tunnel Release: This common procedure relieves pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that is pressing on it, thereby alleviating symptoms.
Our physicians focus on providing the least invasive yet most effective approach to care, ensuring optimal recovery outcomes for each patient.
Schedule Orthopaedic Care for Your Hand & Wrist Pain
Is pain in your hands or wrists making it difficult to type on your keyboard, lift groceries, twist a doorknob, or get dressed in the morning? You don’t have to let that pain sideline you from the activities you love. Our hand and wrist care specialists in the Greater Philadelphia area are here to help you get back in the game.
We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, diagnose the underlying cause, and walk you through all of your treatment options, whether that includes non-invasive therapies or advanced wrist and hand surgery options.
Contact Premier Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free, active lifestyle. Let our experienced specialists help you grasp life fully. We can also help you with arm, shoulder, and elbow conditions and injuries.
