Traumatologue - Orthopédiste
Hand and Wrist
Services > Pain Management > Hand And Wrist
Hand and Wrist Pain
Wrist and hand pain is an orthopedic complaint that can impair and limit our hand function. It is often caused by injury or repetitive strain to the wrist, which impacts the joint and the surrounding ligaments, tendons and nerves, leading to a range of symptoms that can negatively affect our ability to work and do our daily activities.
The wrist is a complex joint that is made up of two main bone rows: the proximal carpal bones that are close to the forearm and the distal carpal bones that are near the fingers.
They are connected by several joints, allowing for different hand and fingers movements.
In addition to traumatic wrist injuries, many people experience wrist pain caused by repeated strain or overuse of the joint. Typing or mechanical tasks in the workplace frequently cause wrist discomfort. Additionally, certain sports like bowling, gymnastics, golf, and weightlifting can also affect the wrist, resulting in pain when gripping an object or flexing and bending the hand.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with a wrist/hand condition:
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Numbness or tingling in the hand and forearm, sometimes accompanied by pins-and-needles sensations
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Pain that may be present in the hand, wrist, or even extend to the elbow
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Swelling or discomfort in the wrist or hand
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Difficulty in performing actions such as carrying, opening, twisting, or squeezing objects
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Inability to bend or straighten the fingers or wrist
Common Hand and Wrist Conditions
Wrist and hand pain can result from a variety factors, they include:
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Ganglion Cysts
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Tendonitis
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Arthritis
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Wrist Trauma: Fractures and dislocations
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Sprains
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Torn ligaments
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Bursitis
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Trigger Finger
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Mallet finger
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Dupuytren's disease
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A hand or finger deformity
Diagnosis and Treatment
During your consultation, Dr Errachid will discuss with you your current symptoms and check your medical history, following that, he will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of pain and discomfort.
Dr. Errachid will look for any areas of tenderness, decreased range of motion, and any change in appearance on your hand and wrist, as well as the stability or lack thereof of the joint. After the physical examination, a further diagnosis that consists of imaging tests may be conducted to determine the underlying condition.
Conservative treatments for wrist joint injuries include:
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Pain medication
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Immobilization casts
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Physical therapy
Surgical approaches
Usually, invasive procedures will only be used after conservative treatment prove ineffective or insufficient to alleviate the pain and discomfort, or if the damage to the joint is too severe to be treated conservatively.
In such cases, a surgical intervention may be considered the best treatment option.
Common wrist surgeries include:
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Wrist arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various wrist conditions
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Carpal Tunnel Release: Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
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Wrist Arthrodesis: A surgery that fuses the bones of the wrist, which may be performed to treat severe arthritis or instability.
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Fixation surgery: Repairs broken wrist bones.
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Trigger Finger Release: Treats the locking of a finger in a bent position.
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Dupuytren’s Contracture Fasciectomy: Removes thickened tissue to restore finger movement.
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De Quervain’s Release: Alleviates pain from inflamed tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
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Thumb Basilar Joint Arthroplasty: Involves reconstructing or replacing the joint due to overuse or arthritis.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you’re seeking relief from wrist or hand pain and discomfort, don’t hesitate! Call us or book an appointment online today!
No matter the cause of your wrist or hand pain, Dr. Errachid has you covered, and will provide you with the highest quality care to manage and treat your pain.
A: If your wrist or hand pain is severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by significant swelling, numbness, or weakness, it's important to consult with your orthopedic doctor. Pain that worsens with movement, a visible deformity, or the inability to perform simple tasks and move your wrist or fingers may indicate a fracture, dislocation, or nerve compression. In such cases, seek medical care from your traumatologist as soon as possible.
A: Simple modifications, such as taking breaks during repetitive tasks, and avoiding excessive gripping or twisting motions, can help reduce stress on your wrists and hands. When lifting heavy objects, use both hands and keep your wrists straight to minimize strain.
A: To manage wrist pain from typing or computer work, it’s important to have a setup that allows your wrists to rest in a neutral and comfortable position. Wrist supports can provide additional comfort. Taking regular breaks to stretch and doing wrist and hand exercises can strengthen your wrist muscles and reduce the risk of developing a condition. Good posture, with relaxed shoulders and elbows close to your body, is also crucial. When using a mouse, try to use your whole arm to move it. Typing should be gentle, and wrists should not be bent upwards. If your wrist pain persists, consult your orthopedic doctor for further advice and personalized treatment plan.
A: Gentle exercises, such as wrist rotations, finger flexions, and grip strengthening, can help improve flexibility and reduce pain. However, if your pain is severe or caused by an underlying condition, consult with your orthopedic doctor before starting any exercise program.
A: Early signs include numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often occurring at night or while holding a phone or steering wheel.
A: Recovery can take 1 to 2 weeks for basic activities, with full recovery and strength return taking up to 3 to 6 months.
A: Ganglion cysts often resolve on their own, but if painful or bothersome, treatments include aspiration or surgical removal.
A: You can expect to get back to your usual routine in about 6 weeks, depending on the specifics of your surgery and personal healing process.
A: Recovery from wrist fusion surgery usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks, with a cast often required post-surgery.
A: The healing time for wrist and hand pain varies depending on the underlying cause and severity. Minor strains or inflammation may improve within a few days to a couple of weeks with conservative treatments, while more severe injuries or chronic conditions may take several weeks or months to heal. Dr. Errachid will assist you throughout your journey towards recovery from wrist pain and provide you with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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