Hand and Wrist Treatment

Here are ten common symptoms related to the hand and wrist. Understanding these symptoms can help you identify potential issues and seek appropriate medical attention. It is important to note that any persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a health care professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment. It is crucial for individuals experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with a health care professional for proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

1. Pain: Pain in the hand and wrist can range from mild discomfort to sharp, shooting pain. It may be localized or radiate to other areas such as the forearm or fingers.

2. Swelling: Swelling in the hand and wrist can occur due to various reasons, including injury, inflammation or underlying medical conditions.

3. Stiffness: Stiffness in the hand and wrist can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as gripping objects or making fine movements.

4. Numbness or tingling: Sensations of numbness or tingling in the hand and wrist may indicate nerve compression or damage, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

5. Weakness: Weakness in the hand and wrist can affect grip strength and coordination, making it challenging to perform certain activities.

6. Limited range of motion: Restricted movement in the hand and wrist may result from joint stiffness, inflammation or underlying conditions like arthritis.

7. Clicking or popping sounds: Audible clicking or popping sounds when moving the hand and wrist could signify joint instability or cartilage damage.

8. Redness or warmth: Increased redness or warmth in the hand and wrist may indicate inflammation caused by injury, infection or inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

9. Loss of sensation: Complete loss of sensation in the hand and wrist could suggest nerve damage that requires immediate attention.

10. Difficulty with fine motor skills: Impaired dexterity when performing intricate tasks involving finger movements may indicate underlying issues affecting motor control.

The hand and wrist are intricate parts of our body that play a crucial role in our daily activities. However, they are also susceptible to various conditions that can cause discomfort and hinder our ability to perform simple tasks. Here are some of the most common hand and wrist conditions that individuals may encounter.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:
These common nerve compression syndromes affect the median nerve at the wrist (carpal tunnel) and the ulnar nerve at the elbow (cubital tunnel).They can cause:

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers
• Hand weakness or loss of grip strength
• Pain and uncomfortable hand symptoms that worsen during sleep or with repetitive hand use
  
  

These conditions may be caused by repetitive motions like typing or gripping and are often treated with splinting, steroid injections or surgery in more advanced cases.

2. Joint Damage from Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Hand arthritis is a leading cause of joint pain and joint stiffness. It occurs when cartilage in the joints wears away (osteoarthritis) or is attacked by the immune system (rheumatoid arthritis).
Symptoms may include:

• Aching or throbbing pain
• Swelling in the fingers or wrist
• Decreased range of motion
  
  

Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, splints or surgical joint reconstruction.

3. Dupuytren’s Disease:
A condition involving the palmar fascia, the layer of tissue just beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. Dupuytren’s causes it to thicken and tighten, forming cords under the skin. This can result in:

• Nodules in the palm with normal range of motion (most common)
• More advanced disease includes flexed fingers that cannot fully straighten (contractures), limiting hand movement
  
  

Dupuytren’s is more common in people of Northern European descent, and in men more than women. The team of Riverside hand and wrist specialists offer the full spectrum of treatment for Dupuytren’s disease, including observation and reassurance in mild cases, to invasive treatment for finger contractures that limit hand function. Finger contracture correction can be completed in office using enzyme injections (i.e. collagenase) or minor outpatient surgery (needle aponeurotomy). For more advanced cases, removal of the diseased tissue is often a longer lasting correction (limited palmar fasciectomy).

4. Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb:
This condition occurs when inflammation thickens and narrows the passage of finger and thumb flexor tendons in the tendon sheath.
Symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness at the base of the affected finger or thumb
• A popping or catching sensation during movement
• Diget gets locked or temporarily stuck in a flexed (bent) position
  
  

Trigger finger is frequently seen in individuals with diabetes and those performing repetitive gripping actions. It is a very common condition, however, and the exact cause is often unclear. This condition is typically treatable, often through non-surgical treatments, with surgery available for persistent cases.

5. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis:
A leading cause of wrist pain near the thumb, this condition affects the tendons controlling thumb movement. It’s often due to repetitive motions like lifting children or using tools.
Symptoms include:

• Pain and swelling on the thumb side (radial side) of the wrist
• Difficulty moving the thumb, making a fist or lifting and manipulating objects or tools

Treatment may include rest, splinting, NSAIDs and corticosteroid injections, and is successful in approximately 80% of cases. Surgery is available for persistent cases.

6. Sports-Related Hand and Wrist Injuries:
Hand and wrist injuries from sports are common and can be caused by falls, collisions, abrupt gripping forces during sports or repetitive stress. Common conditions include:

• Ligament sprains or tears
• Tendon strains or ruptures
• Tendonitis
• TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) tears
• Finger fractures and dislocations
  
  

Overuse injuries are also especially common in athletes who rely on grip strength or high-impact activities. Many of these conditions resolve without surgical intervention, but certain acute injury patterns have the best long-term outcomes with surgery. Your hand surgeons will prioritize your long-term hand function and goals while focusing on the needs of your acute hand or wrist injury.

7. Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Fractures:
A wrist fracture or broken hand bone can result from falls, sports injuries and motor vehicle accidents, name a few. Riverside’s orthopedic hand specialists have advanced training and years of sub-specialized experience in treating these injuries. Common injuries in their practices include:

• Distal radius fractures (including the common “Colles’ fracture” among other types)
• Scaphoid fracture (the most common carpal bone fracture). These fractures require careful treatment due to healing challenges and significant downstream problems if fracture healing is unsuccessful.
• Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures (hand and finger bones). These account for 20% of all fractures seen in the Emergency Departments and are frequently referred to Riverside’s hand specialists.
  
  

Signs of a fracture include swelling, bruising, deformity and inability to move the area.

8. Nerve and Tendon Injuries:
Lacerations, blunt trauma or overuse can damage the delicate nerves and tendons running from the elbow to the fingertips. These injuries may result in:

• Loss of sensation or movement
• Difficulty gripping or pinching
• Sharp pain or weakness
  
  

Early treatment helps prevent permanent dysfunction. Surgical treatment of nerve and tendon injuries requires subspecialized training to optimize patient outcomes.

9. Hand and Wrist Tumors or Cysts:
Most hand and wrist tumors, such as ganglion cysts, are benign. However, they can still interfere with daily activities, cause discomfort or their appearance can be concerning to patients. Signs include:

• Visible lumps under the skin
• Aching or pressure in the affected area
• Restricted movement
  
  

Treatment may involve observation and reassurance, aspiration or outpatient surgical excision of the mass.

10. Finger Deformities:
Conditions like swan neck deformity or boutonnière deformity may stem from arthritis, trauma or tendon imbalances. These deformities may:

• Affect the way fingers bend or straighten
• Cause stiffness, pain or weakness
• Limit fine motor skills
  
  

Specialized therapy, specific finger rings or splints, or surgery reconstruction can restore function and appearance.

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other hand and wrist conditions that individuals may experience. If you are experiencing any persistent hand or wrist pain or have concerns about your hand and wrist health, don’t wait to consult with a hand and wrist specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In the realm of hand and wrist treatment, there are various options available to address a wide range of conditions and injuries. From non-surgical to surgical interventions, the goal is to restore optimal function and alleviate pain in these critical areas of the body.

1. Hand Therapy: Hand and wrist rehabilitation often involve targeted exercises, stretching and manual therapy techniques to improve strength, flexibility and range of motion. This non-invasive approach aims to enhance mobility and reduce discomfort.
   
   
2. Medications: Depending on the specific condition or injury, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation in the hand and wrist.
   
   
3. Splinting or Bracing: In some cases, wearing a splint or brace can provide support and stability for the hand or wrist while promoting healing. These devices immobilize the affected area or restrict certain movements during recovery.
   
   
4. Injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis or tendonitis affecting the hand or wrist. These injections can provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.
   
   

It is important for individuals experiencing hand and wrist issues to consult with a qualified healthcare professional who specializes in orthopedics or hand surgery. They will assess each case individually and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to meet specific needs for optimal recovery outcomes.

When surgery is the best option, your orthopedic hand surgeon will discuss the procedure and answer any questions you have. At Riverside, we offer a wide range of hand surgeries, with the most common including:

1. Nerve Decompression Surgery:
   When nerves in the hand or wrist are compressed, it can lead to tingling, numbness and weakness. Nerve decompression surgery relieves this pressure – often by removing tight ligaments or repositioning the nerve – stopping progressive nerve damage, resulting in pain relief and restored hand function.
   
   
2. Surgical Fixation of Broken Bones:
   Severe fractures may require surgical intervention to align and stabilize bones while they heal. Using pins, plates, or screws, orthopedic surgeons provide stability to fractured bones to promote healing and earlier range of motion whenever possible.
   
   Minimally invasive techniques, such as percutaneous pinning, prioritize achieving the goal of orthopedic surgery while decreasing deep scar tissue that causes stiffness and a longer recovery time. When this is not the ideal fixation plan, Riverside’s hand surgery specialists use very small screws and/or plates that are designed for these small bones.
   
   
3. Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement for the Hand):
   For patients with severe arthritis in the fingers, arthroplasty, or joint replacement, can help reduce pain and restore movement. This procedure is often recommended when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief.
   
   
4. Arthrodesis (Joint Fusion):
   If certain degenerative joints fail nonoperative treatment, but can’t be replaced, arthrodesis is often the best solution. This surgery fuses two bones together, eliminating painful motion while still prioritizing functional hand use in daily tasks and even high-level hobbies and jobs.
   
   
5. Microsurgery for the Hand and Wrist:
   Microsurgery is used to repair tiny nerves that are essential for hand function. Surgeons operate using microscopic magnification and ultra-fine tools, making this an essential procedure for trauma and complex repairs.
   
   
6. Tendon Repair Surgery:
   Injuries that sever or rupture tendons can seriously limit hand movement. During hand tendon repair surgery, the surgeon reconnects or reconstructs the damaged tendon. Postoperative certified hand therapy is crucial to regaining full mobility and use of the hand.
   
   
7. Arthroscopy for the Wrist:
   Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera and tools to diagnose and treat issues inside the wrist joint. It’s often used for ligament tears, cartilage damage and unexplained wrist pain.
   
   
8. Ligament Repair or Reconstruction:
   Ligaments are strong bands that connect bones around joints. When torn or stretched, hand and wrist function can suffer. Ligament repair surgery helps stabilize joints and prevent long-term complications like arthritis.
   
   
9. Joint Resection for Thumb or Wrist Arthritis:
   Joint resection is typically used to treat advanced arthritis in the thumb or wrist that fails nonoperative treatment. A small portion of bone is removed to reduce pain and restore range of motion without replacing the entire joint.
   
   
10. Tendon Transfer Surgery:
    If you’ve lost function due to nerve injury or severe arthritis, tendon transfer surgery might help. Surgeons use a healthy tendon from another part of the body to replace a non-functional one, restoring movement and strength.
    
    

The expert hand surgeons at Riverside use the latest surgical techniques to relieve pain and improve function in your hand. If you're experiencing discomfort, weakness or limited mobility in your hand or wrist, don’t wait to seek care. With the right treatment in the right hands, you can return to the activities you enjoy, without the suffering.