There is hardly any task in our daily life that doesn’t require the use of hands and wrists. Given how much we rely on our hands and wrists every day, it’s no wonder that even the slightest pain in our hands and wrists can be frustrating and disabling. Hand and wrist pain can be a result of conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, or trigger finger.
If you have a nagging pain in your hands and wrists that is interfering with your daily activities, such as getting ready in the morning, typing on your computer, and spending time doing your favorite hobbies, then it’s time to seek medical attention from an orthopedic doctor. An orthopedic doctor will first evaluate your hand condition and symptoms, give you a diagnosis, and then develop a treatment plan (invasive or noninvasive) depending on your hand condition.
Here we’ll discuss the noninvasive treatments that your orthopedic doctor will suggest for the treatment of hand and wrist pain.
RICE Therapy
RICE therapy (an acronym for rest, icing, compression, and elevation) is one of the most suggested treatment options for hand and wrist pain. Your orthopedic doctor will advise you to rest your hands and wrists and apply ice packs on the affected area (not directly) to reduce pain and inflammation.
Compression stockings or elastic bandages and arm elevation are also recommended to reduce pain.
Drug Therapy
Hand and wrist pain and inflammation respond well to medications. So, your orthopedic doctor will recommend the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen for pain relief. Acetaminophen can also effectively relieve hand and wrist pain.
An orthopedic doctor may also recommend stronger painkillers, such as opioids, to provide pain relief if your pain is not going away with NSAIDs. However, you should not use opioids for the long term as these can be addictive.
Topical pain relievers can also be used for hand and wrist pain.
Wearing Splints or Braces
A splint or brace can relieve hand and wrist pain as they keep your hand and wrist in a natural position and provide support. They can also keep your hands from bending and help to maintain their proper alignment.
If your hand and wrist pain is due to carpal tunnel syndrome, your orthopedic doctor may advise you to wear splints every night.
Physical Therapy
Like any other body part, physical therapy can also strengthen the tissues in your hand and wrist and make them less vulnerable to overuse injuries. Regular hand and wrist exercises can strengthen the muscles and joints of your hand and wrist, increase their range of motion, and reduce any pain and inflammation.
Hand and Wrist Pain Treatment in Boynton Beach
Don’t let your hand and wrist pain keep you from enjoying your favorite hobbies. At Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, our highly trained orthopedic surgeons have the expertise to help relieve your hand and wrist pain and improve your quality of life. Our hand surgeon can also perform hand surgeries using minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopy.
To make an appointment with us, call our office today, or request an appointment on our website.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
