Hand and wrist injuries can make even very simple tasks difficult to perform and for those whose job requires repetitive use of the hands even more so. But whether your pain is from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or sports injury orthopedic surgeon can create a unique treatment according to your specific condition, goals and lifestyle. Some of the treatments available include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome – Symptoms can be numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers, weak grip and tendency to drop things. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compressed nerve in the wrist. Treatment can include wrist splints at night to maintain a neutral position, avoiding certain activities which require extreme wrist positions, surgical release, and steroid injections for temporary relief.
Extensor and flexor tendon injuries – On the palm side of the fingers, the flexor tendons are connected to the finger bones, which allow the finger to flex towards the palm to grasp and grip something. Extensor tendons are located on the top side of the fingers and help the fingers grasp and let go of objects. If either of these tendons is torn or injured, it can cause loss of function and pain. Treatment for this condition may require physical therapy, splints to hold the tendons in place and, in some cases, surgical treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis affects the small joints of your wrists, fingers and hands and feet because your body’s immune system attacks the joints. Sacks of fluid called bursae that allow the tendons to move over the bones in the hands and feet become inflamed, along with the tendons themselves. What causes this reaction is still unknown but the symptoms can include pain in the joints along with stiffness, redness or swelling. Treatment may include joint mobilization, sports injury rehabilitation, manual or exercise therapy, flexibility training and health and wellness strategies.
Finger dislocation – This is a common injury that happens when the bones of the finger are forced away from their normal position. The injury can be caused by a jamming force at the end of the affected finger. Symptoms may include obvious deformity and the patient will not be able to bend or use the finger. Treatment may require physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and in some cases require surgery.
Ganglion cysts – Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs located in the hand and wrist next to the tendons or joints. Symptoms are a visible lump on the hand or wrist. There can be pain, tingling or muscle weakness if the cyst is compressing the nerves passing through the joint. Treatment may include immobilizing the affected area so that the size does not increase, draining the fluid from the cyst, finally, surgical removal may be recommended.
Wrist fracture – The wrist joint is made up of two main joints the radius and the ulna. The most common wrist fractures include these two joints and usually occur when a patient tries to brace for a fall.
When you have a consultation with our hand and wrist specialist, Dr. Julia Kenniston, your condition will be examined. Whatever issues you have with your hand and wrist, we offer a variety of services that may relieve symptoms and remove the pain. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation! Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates, INC. has offices located in Plymouth, Duxbury and Sandwich, MA.