Hand And Wrist Pain

Pain in the fingers, hand, or wrist is usually caused by overuse, repetitive motion, or underlying conditions like arthritis organglion cysts. Hand, finger and wrist injuries such as fractures, dislocations, or torn ligaments are often caused by falls or blows during sports or work activities. Injuries can also occur during accidents or activities.

Common Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve (median nerve) in the wrist. The symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain of the fingers and hand. This can be a result of constant and repetitive motions with the hands. This can be diagnosed with an EMG/NCS Test on your hands. Dr. Corey Anden board certified in Electrodiagnostic Medicine and can perform this test and diagnose your problem.

Ganglion cysts

Ganglion cystsare small sacs filled with clear, jellylike fluid that often appear as bumps on the hands and wrists.

Diabetes

May change how the hands normally feel or sense touch. Decreased feeling in the hands is common because of decreased blood flow to the hands or damage tonerves of the hand.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a “snapping” or “locking” condition of any of the fingers of the hand when opened or closed. Trigger finger is caused by local swelling from inflammation or scarring of the tendon sheath around the flexor tendons. This can be improved with at-home stretching and exercises or can be injected by a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.

Pregnancy

May cause redness, itching, swelling, numbness, or tingling that often goes away after delivery.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the progressive breakdown of the tissue that protects and cushions joints (cartilage). It may cause stiffness and pain with movement. Stretching can improve symptoms. Regenerative medicine and corticosteroid injections can be helpful for improvement.

Treatments For Wrist/Hand Pain

Treatment for wrist pain depends on the cause of the pain and its severity. The least invasive treatment is given first before treatments are recommended. They include:

• Exercises and physical therapy – Depending on your type of pain, exercises may work. Certain exercises can be prescribed to stretch and lengthen muscles and tendons. When it comes to which exercises to do, patients should get recommendations from your doctor or physical therapist.
• NSAIDS and ice may also be helpful to reduce inflammation.
• Brace – in some cases, wearing a wrist brace can help. Splinting may prevent certain wrist movements that cause irritation. A splint might also reduce squeezing of the nerve.
• Regenerative Injection Therapies
• Ultrasound Guided Cortisone injections – in some cases, a cortisone injection can be helpful to reduce inflammation. Dr. Anden uses an ultrasound to guide the injection.
• Surgery – only used if less invasive treatments have not worked. The type of surgery performed depends on the cause of the pain.