Having a hand injury can make everyday tasks burdensome. Wrist conditions in particular can cause pain in the hand and wrist. If left untreated, they can cause complicated issues in the hand and impact your mobility.
Fortunately, orthopedic surgeons specializing in hand and wrist conditions can provide individualized treatment plans for patients. Here are some common conditions that wrist specialists can treat:
Sports Injuries
Anything can happen when you’re playing a sport. Common sports injuries include:
- Sprain – when a ligament tears
- Fracture – when a bone breaks
Wrist sprains and fractures often occur when you fall and land with an outstretched hand. Immediate swelling and bruising can occur after the injury. You may need to see a wrist specialist if symptoms persist after applying emergency medical aid to the injured wrist.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common condition a wrist specialist can treat. It occurs with increased pressure on your median nerve. It is responsible for the sensation of half the ring fingers and the thumb. Additionally, it affects the index and middle fingers.
The median nerve also strengthens the base of the thumb and the index finger. Repetitive finger and wrist movements are the common cause of this condition.
Symptoms include:
- Numbness in the fingers or wrist, especially at night
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Decreased mobility and difficulty in using the hands for daily tasks
Doctors treat carpal tunnel syndrome with non-surgical and surgical methods. Your wrist specialist may ask you to wear a wrist splint at night or make changes in your work environment. They may recommend raising your chair or moving your keyboard, for instance.
When your condition becomes severe, surgery can be a viable treatment option. A wrist specialist will diagnose your injury to determine the best treatment. If surgery is necessary, in most cases, they can perform the procedure.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger causes fingers to be stuck in a bent position. It most commonly affects the ring finger, but other fingers are also susceptible to it.
The condition is common among people with jobs or hobbies requiring repetitive motions like frequent gripping or forceful finger use. People with underlying conditions such as gout, arthritis, or diabetes are also at risk for trigger finger.
Symptoms include:
- A snapping or popping sensation when moving the finger
- Pain and stiffness
- Swelling and soreness of the hand
For mild cases, rest, medication, and limiting the activities that cause the symptoms are enough to treat the condition. However, doctors may recommend surgery for severe cases.
Wrist Arthritis
Many bones make up the wrist and hand. Arthritis causes inflammation and swelling in joints due to the wearing away of cartilage between bones. The bones grind against each other, causing pain and deterioration.
There are different kinds of wrist arthritis. The most common forms are:
- Osteoarthritis – wear and tear of cartilage; most cases develop due to progressing age
- Post-traumatic arthritis – occurs after an injury in the area, such as a fracture or sprain
- Rheumatoid arthritis – is an autoimmune disease that affects both sides of the body
- Psoriatic arthritis – develops due to psoriasis
- Gout – develops when there is too much uric acid in the blood
The most common symptoms are wrist pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. You may also experience hand and wrist stiffness.
Non-surgical treatment options range from compression and over-the-counter medication to braces and physical therapy. Surgery can be an option for more severe cases where motion and mobility are severely affected. A diagnosis from a wrist specialist will be beneficial to determine the next steps you can take for wrist arthritis.
Experienced Wrist Specialist Near You In Boynton Beach, FL
Wrist or hand pain can strongly limit the mobility and range of motion in your upper extremity. Getting diagnosed by a trusted medical professional can help you get the treatment plan best suited for you.
Do you need a wrist specialist? The Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches is proud to offer top-notch care and state-of-the-art treatments. We have surgical and non-surgical solutions for all your orthopedic concerns. If you or a loved one suffer from a hand and wrist condition, call our friendly staff at (561) 733-5888. You can also use our convenient online form to request an appointment with the best orthopedic doctor near you.
