What are the signs of hand or wrist problems?
Besides pain in your forearms, wrists, hands, or fingers, other signs of injuries in the area include:
- Numbness and tingling in your hands and fingers
- Stiffness in your wrists, hands, and fingers
- Swelling
- Bony changes in your fingers and knuckles
- Tenderness in your hand and forearm
- Decreased range of motion in your wrist and hand
While some wrist and hand discomfort may resolve after a period of rest, ongoing or chronic pain signals underlying issues that require treatment at Ortho One Jacksonville.
What conditions can affect my wrists and hands?
For those who work on computers or perform other fine motor tasks with their hands, common conditions that can cause wrist and hand pain include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
- Arthritis
- Pronator teres syndrome
- Sprains and strains
- De Quervain’s tendinosis
- Fractures
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Compartment syndrome
- Ganglion cysts
Trauma to your hands and wrists, such as from a car accident, falling on an outstretched hand, and impact injuries, can also cause many acute injuries to the area, especially sprains, strains, and fractures.
How are wrist and hand injuries diagnosed?
To better understand your symptoms, the Ortho One team begins by asking about the location of your pain, activities or trauma that contribute to your pain, and movements that are difficult to perform because of your injury.
Your provider then examines your hand, applying gentle pressure around the joints, muscles, and ligaments to check for areas of tenderness, swelling, or bony changes. They may also stretch or compress joints and soft tissues in your hands to evaluate nerve and joint function.
Specialized imaging and testing may be ordered, including X-rays, an MRI, nerve conduction study (NCS), or diagnostic ultrasound. Based on their findings, the team explains your diagnosis and recommends a treatment strategy to relieve your pain.
What treatment options are available for wrist and hand pain?
The Ortho One team offers a variety of treatment options to manage hand and wrist pain, including:
- Work restrictions or rest
- Physical therapy
- Ergonomic changes to your workstation
- Hot or cold therapy
- Massage therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription pain medications
- Joint injections
- Surgery
Depending on your diagnosis, the team may recommend a trial for two to four weeks with conservative measures before trying more invasive treatments, such as injections or surgical intervention.
Schedule a hand and wrist consultation at Ortho One Jacksonville online or by phone today.
