Hand & Wrist Care: Restoring Function and Mobility

Your hands and wrists are essential for daily tasks, from typing on a keyboard to lifting and gripping objects. When pain, injury, or dysfunction affects these areas, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Our expert orthopaedic specialists are here to provide personalized care and effective treatments to help restore the function and mobility of your hands and wrists.

Common Hand & Wrist Conditions

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
   • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, is compressed at the wrist. This compression can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
   • Treatment often involves rest, wrist splints, physical therapy, medications, and in more severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.
2. Arthritis (Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis)
   • Arthritis can affect the joints of the hands and wrists, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility.
   • Osteoarthritis is typically age-related and occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition.
   • Treatment options include medications, joint injections, physical therapy, and in advanced cases, surgery such as joint replacement or fusion.
3. Tendonitis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis)
   • Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons, commonly seen in the wrist and thumb (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis). This condition often results from repetitive motions or overuse.
   • Symptoms include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb and wrist. Treatment may include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections.
4. Fractures and Breaks
   • Fractures in the bones of the hand or wrist are common and can result from trauma, falls, or accidents. These injuries may involve any of the bones, including the radius, ulna, or metacarpals.
   • Treatment varies depending on the severity of the fracture, but may involve casting, splinting, or surgery to realign bones and ensure proper healing.
5. Trigger Finger
   • Trigger finger occurs when one of the fingers gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly “snaps” straight. This condition is often caused by inflammation of the tendons in the affected finger.
   • Treatment options include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, or corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
6. Ganglion Cysts
   • Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that typically form on the wrist or the base of the fingers. Although they are often painless, they can cause discomfort or limit movement.
   • Treatment may include aspiration (draining the fluid), or surgery to remove the cyst if it causes significant pain or disruption.
7. Fractures of the Scaphoid Bone
   • The scaphoid bone is one of the small bones in the wrist, and fractures in this area are common, especially in athletes or individuals who fall on an outstretched hand.
   • These fractures can be tricky to diagnose and treat due to the limited blood flow to the bone. Treatment may involve casting or surgical intervention if healing is slow.
8. Repetitive Strain Injuries
   • Activities that involve frequent hand and wrist movements (e.g., typing, sports, or manual labor) can lead to repetitive strain injuries. These injuries can result in pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand or wrist.
   • Preventive measures include proper ergonomics, breaks from repetitive tasks, and strengthening exercises.

Treatment Options for Hand & Wrist Conditions

1. Non-Surgical Treatments
   • Physical Therapy: A tailored rehabilitation program that helps improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
   • Bracing & Splints: Custom splints or braces can help immobilize the hand or wrist, allowing it to heal properly or relieve pain.
   • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling.
   • Corticosteroid Injections: These injections are used to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.
   • Ergonomic Adjustments: For repetitive strain injuries, adjustments to your workstation or daily activities can help prevent further damage.
2. Surgical Treatments
   • If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be necessary to address more severe conditions such as:
     • Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: A procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome.
     • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove cysts, repair ligaments, or treat joint damage.
     • Tendon Repair or Release: For conditions like trigger finger or tendonitis, surgery may be required to repair or release the affected tendons.
     • Fracture Fixation: In cases of hand or wrist fractures, surgery may involve the use of pins, screws, or plates to align and stabilize the bones.

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

Taking care of your hands and wrists can help prevent injuries and conditions before they arise. Here are a few tips to maintain optimal hand and wrist health:

• Practice Proper Ergonomics: Ensure your workstation is set up to minimize strain on your wrists, especially if you type or use a mouse for extended periods.
• Strengthen Your Hands and Wrists: Regular exercise can help improve the strength and flexibility of your wrists and hands. Focus on stretches and exercises that target these areas.
• Take Breaks: If your activities involve repetitive motions, take breaks to rest your hands and wrists. This can help prevent strain and overuse injuries.
• Avoid Overuse: Try to avoid overloading your hands or wrists with too much weight or repetitive motion, especially without proper technique.
• Use Proper Protective Gear: If you play sports or engage in activities that may put your hands and wrists at risk, wear appropriate protective equipment to avoid injuries.

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult with an orthopaedic specialist:

• Persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness in the hand or wrist
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the fingers or hands
• Limited mobility or difficulty gripping or holding objects
• Sudden, severe pain after injury or trauma
• A visible lump or swelling on the wrist or hand

Your Path to Relief and Recovery

At our clinic, we offer personalized care to help treat hand and wrist conditions and restore function. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, tendonitis, fractures, or other hand and wrist problems, our orthopaedic specialists are here to guide you through your recovery journey.

Contact Us Today to Schedule an Appointment
Don’t let hand or wrist pain interfere with your daily life. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and get the treatment you need to feel better and regain your mobility.

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