Hand pain limits your daily life, and proper diagnosis and treatment are critical for effectively managing it. There are many underlying causes of hand pain. Below, we talk about the most common hand and wrist problems and how doctors diagnose and treat them.
If you want treatment from a qualified professional, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery is the best possible choice. Years of study and training have made this physician an expert in diagnosing and treating hand pain.
Hand Surgeon
Many healthcare providers are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of hand pain. Primary care physicians can take a look at your issue, but you will most likely be referred to a hand surgeon.
Hand surgeons pursue a residency in orthopedic surgery, after which they can choose to further specialize by completing a hand surgery fellowship. During their training, hand surgeons gain comprehensive expertise in both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to hand and upper extremity conditions, including trauma, congenital abnormalities, nerve disorders, tendon injuries, and joint disorders.
The rigorous training equips hand surgeons with the level of proficiency needed to provide comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for patients with hand-related conditions.
Most Common Hand and Wrist Conditions
Some of the most common hand conditions that cause pain include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers.
Trigger Finger
This is characterized by a finger or thumb getting stuck in a bent position, caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath.
Osteoarthritis
A degenerative joint disease that can affect the hands and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
De Quervain’sTenosynovitis
This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain during wrist and thumb movement.
Tendinitis
Inflammation of the tendons in the hand and wrist, often resulting from overuse or repetitive motion.
Diagnosing Hand Pain
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment for hand pain. Doctors use various methods to diagnose the underlying cause, such as:
- Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about the symptoms, the patient’s medical history, and any other relevant factors. They will then perform a physical examination, assessing the hand’s range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness.
- Imaging tests: X-rays can help identify fractures, dislocations, and degenerative changes in the structures of the hands. X-ray images can also reveal changes in the bones and joints, such as the narrowing of joint space, the formation of bone spurs, and bony erosions, which are common with hand arthritis.
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS): This test measures the speed at which electrical impulses travel along the nerves, helping to diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment Options for Hand Pain
Treatment options for hand pain are highly individualized to the patient. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment could include:
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be effective at relieving pain and targeting inflammation. Corticosteroid injections may be used for conditions like trigger finger or tendonitis, as well as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome to reduce inflammation.
Hand Therapy
Hand therapists are usually part of a patient’s healthcare team. These specialists provide personalized exercises and techniques to improve hand strength, flexibility, and function. Manual therapy, temperature therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and ergonomics are some of the things they provide patients for pain relief, preventing re-injury, and promoting healing.
Splints and Braces
Wearing splints or braces can provide support and immobilization, particularly for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Wrist splints, for example, can provide support to the wrist and allow you to perform daily tasks without pain.
Surgery
In cases where conservative measures fail to alleviate pain, surgical intervention may be considered. The most common examples of hand surgery include carpal tunnel release surgery, which involves the surgeon cutting through a ligament that is compressing the carpal tunnel, and joint fusion surgery, which fuses two bones to restrict joint movement and relieve pain.
Lifestyle Modifications
Simple lifestyle changes such as ergonomic adjustments, activity modifications, and rest breaks can help reduce hand pain associated with repetitive tasks or overuse. Your doctor can review your lifestyle and habits and recommend changes to improve your symptoms.
Hand Pain Treatment in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Pasadena, and Westminster, MD
Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder focuses on the treatment of upper extremity conditions, such as hand arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are experiencing hand pain, have an expert perform a thorough diagnostic procedure to ensure you receive proper and most effective treatment.
Our hand surgeons are researchers and educators and remain on the cusp of leading-edge techniques and treatments. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality, personalized hand treatments.
We routinely treat injured athletes, weekend warriors, workers, and other active individuals. To schedule an appointment with one of our hand surgeons, call to make an appointment at (410) 296-6232 or use our online request form.
