Hand and Wrist Injury Treatment

Hand and wrist pain can flare up or be constant — either way, it can inhibit your ability to perform even the simplest tasks. The good news is that your hand and wrist pain can often be treated to lessen symptoms and ease pain.

As the only orthopedic immediate access in the DC metropolitan area, Ortho OIC can assist you quickly with several treatments to restore the full range of motion in your hand and wrist.

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries

Hand pain is often associated with the following conditions:

De Quervain’s Tendinitis

De Quervain’s tendinitis can develop gradually or come about suddenly, causing pain on the thumb side of the wrist. The pain can travel from the length of the thumb to the forearm. Repetitive activities and overuse can cause irritation or inflammation in the wrist tendons at the base of the thumb.

Fractures

Fracturing or breaking a bone can cause severe pain followed by stiffness, swelling and loss of movement. Fracture types can include:

• Simple: A broken bone remains aligned and stable.
• Complex: The fracture causes bone shifting or displacement.
• Comminuted: The bone is broken in multiple places.
• Compound: The fractured bone emerges through the skin.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This common nerve disorder can cause pain in the palm, fingers, wrist and forearm. With carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling constricts the median nerve — the control for muscle impulses in the thumb and most fingers — as it runs through the narrow carpal tunnel of the wrist.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger — or medically, tenosynovitis — causes the thumb or fingers to lock in a bent position. This can happen when the flexor tendons become irritated, affecting the movements of the fingers and thumb. When moving the affected finger, you may feel the tendon catch or become stuck if it is bent. A pop may occur as the tendon is released.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a leading reason for pain in the wrist and hand. This degenerative disease wears down the cartilage in the wrist joint, preventing the bones from moving smoothly against each other. Arthritis can also occur between finger joints and the base of the thumb.

Treatment Options

There are several noninvasive and surgical options for hand and wrist injuries and conditions, including:

• RICE method: Stick to a consistent treatment plan of rest, ice, compress and elevation. This is usually an effective method for acute injuries.
• Medications: Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, usually given in conjunction with the RICE method.
• Physical therapy: Work with a therapist to strengthen your wrist muscles to help improve your range of motion and prevent further injuries.
• Surgery: Get this treatment for severe cases, ranging from stabilizing bone fractures to tendon and ligament repair.

Contact Ortho OIC Today

If you need to see a hand and wrist orthopedic doctor, contact Ortho OIC. We offer exams to diagnose your specific injury and the proper treatment required to heal correctly, and our orthopedic specialists will provide the best solutions to your pain. 

Schedule an appointment to get started with treatment for a fractured wrist, broken hand or another injury or condition.