Bursae are located throughout the body around joints, as they provide extra cushioning around the muscles, tendons and bones. A bursa is a relatively small sac that is filled with fluid.
In the hand, there are three bursae which are relatively long as compared to bursae at other joints. They are located at the base of the thumb, pinkie and ring finger; they extend through the wrist.
When a bursa becomes inflamed, this is called bursitis. Hand and wrist bursitis is a common condition that tends to result from repetitive motion, injury or arthritis. While it is not usually serious, it can be painful and debilitating. After all, you use your hands for almost everything you do.
Let’s talk about how a hand surgeon can help if you are dealing with hand bursitis, and where you can go in Baltimore and throughout Maryland for outstanding orthopedic care and treatment of hand pain.
Treatments for Bursitis by Your Hand Surgeon
If you have bursitis in your hand and wrist, your hand surgeon will first ask about your symptoms and medical history during your appointment. The hand doctor will then perform a physical examination of your hand, wrist and arm to help them develop and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Bursitis
Your hand surgeon may first recommend conservative (nonsurgical) treatments, depending on your symptoms and the severity of your condition. These may include:
Rest
Resting your hand is often the first line of treatment for hand bursitis. You will need to take a break from activities that aggravate your condition and, instead, use the other hand if necessary.
Ice
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Put ice in a plastic bag, seal it and wrap it in a towel. Apply the ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily.
Medication
If taking over-the-counter pain medications has not been sufficient in alleviating your hand pain then your hand surgeon may prescribe a stronger pain reliever.
Corticosteroid Injections
If other treatments prove ineffective, your hand surgeon may inject a corticosteroid solution directly into the bursa to reduce inflammation. The doctor will use ultrasound guidance to ensure they inject the medication into the correct spot.
Hand Therapy
Your provider may collaborate with a physical therapist to treat your bursitis. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help improve the range of motion of your wrist and fingers; as well as, relieve your symptoms.
The hand therapist can also teach you how to use your hand in ways that will help to avoid aggravating your condition. They may recommend wearing a splint when performing certain activities or even while sleeping.
Surgical Treatment Options
If conservative treatments are not enough to relieve your symptoms, your surgeon may recommend surgery. The type of hand surgery you have will depend on the severity of your condition and what the specific issue is.
Debridement
Debridement is a minimally invasive procedure where your hand surgeon cleans out the bursa. They may also remove any damaged tissue that is adjacent to the inflamed bursa.
Bursectomy
A bursectomy is a more invasive procedure in which your hand surgeon removes the entire inflamed bursa. This will only be recommended if the bursa is severely damaged and beyond repair.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which your surgeon inserts a thin tube with camera functionality into the hand and wrist area. The camera can help the doctor see the damage to the bursa; the doctor may then make repairs or remove damaged tissue.
Trusted Hand Surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland
If you have chronic hand pain, schedule an appointment with an experienced hand surgeon. They will make an assessment of your hand and wrist pain, possibly order one or more scanning tests in order to see what the problem may be, determine a diagnosis and then develop a treatment plan with you.
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, we are here for you if you need a skilled hand surgeon in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Call us today at (410) 296-6232 or fill out our convenient appointment request form to schedule a consultation. We have locations in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, Westminster, and Baltimore, and we look forward to serving you!
