You cannot drive, use the bathroom, prepare food, brush your teeth, get dressed, do your job, or do a lot of other tasks if you have a wrist injury. People lose their ability to do certain things daily due to broken wrist bones or tendons.
The Most Common Ten Hand and Wrist Injuries
What types of hand and wrist injuries occur most frequently? How do you become familiar with them?
- Trigger Finger
Tendons run the length of your fingers, from the finger’s base to the tips, joining muscle to bone. They are all protected by tendons known as synoviums, which secrete synovial fluid to keep the tendons lubricated. Your finger’s synovium will not produce enough fluid if a tendon is injured. The tendon will therefore swell up, making it difficult to extend the finger fully. Stenosing is the term for it. Tenosynovitis is also referred to as the “trigger finger.” The finger’s base may hurt and click when you try to move it, among other symptoms.
- Carpal Tunnel Disorder
Nerves spanning your arm’s length control your wrist and hand muscles. The median nerve, located on the inside of your arm, is responsible for directing finger movement. If you spend your entire day at work utilizing the same repetitive hand and finger movements (or if your pastime calls for repetitive motion), the inside of your wrist may enlarge, and the median nerve may become compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the term for this. You will consequently experience pain when attempting to hold objects and a tingling sensation in your fingertips.
- Cubital Tunnel Disorder
There are other causes of tingling fingers than carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to the median nerve, a second nerve runs from the neck down your arm to your wrist and hand. The ulnar nerve is the name of the nerve that is situated closer to the inside of the elbow. The ulnar nerve may become compressed if you frequently lean on your elbows or use vibrating instruments, which could result in tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers. Cubital tunnel syndrome is what this is.
- Fractures
A shattered bone is referred to in medicine as a fracture. While some fractures are visible, others are less noticeable because they can be as thin as a hair, and some fractures—known as stress fractures—are not the consequence of a forceful impact or accident but rather are brought on by repetitive motion. But even the tiniest fracture can result in discomfort, bruising, and edema. If you have a stress fracture, you will have discomfort while moving, but it will go away when resting. However, you should see a specialist to prevent complications like bone spurs.
- Injury to the Carpometacarpal
The wrist and hand are joined at the carpometacarpal joints. The cartilage in the joints can become worn out over time from chronic misuse or damage, which can cause pain when moving the fingers and swelling and stiffness. When you first get up in the morning, these symptoms are typically moderate but worsen as you go about your daily activities.
- Tendonitis
You may recall that we explained that your fingers all have tendons. The entire wrist and hand follow the same pattern. The tendons can become inflamed due to overuse of the same muscles or certain medical diseases (such as diabetes or lupus), which can cause pain, hand weakness, and warm-to-the-touch skin. Tendonitis is the term for this condition. People who work on assembly lines, gardeners, and musicians frequently have tendonitis in their fingers.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
This ailment causes the tendons on the wrist’s thumb side to become inflamed. Overuse or repetitive thumb motions might result in pain, edema, and gripping challenges. Treatment methods include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy.
- Wrist Sprains
Wrist sprains typically brought on by abrupt contact or severe twisting include strained or torn ligaments in the wrist. Pain, edema, and restricted range of motion are symptoms. Bracing, physical therapy, and the RICE protocol are used during treatment.
- Ganglion Cysts
On the back of the wrist or fingers, ganglion cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, frequently form. Although the specific etiology is unknown, they can be uncomfortable and restrict movement. While larger cysts could need aspiration (emptying the fluid) or surgical removal, smaller cysts might go away independently.
- Scaphoid Fractures
The scaphoid bone is prone to fractures because of its location and the force that falls place on it. The base of the thumb may experience discomfort and edema due to a scaphoid fracture. Prompt identification and treatment are essential for avoiding problems like avascular necrosis. Castings or surgical immobilization may be required.
Some of these conditions can be managed conservatively by resting, applying ice to the wound, and maintaining an elevated position for the hand and wrist. In other cases, the patient could require cortisone injections or anti-inflammatory medicine to get the discomfort under control. Surgery can be necessary in some cases.
Make a Consultation at The AOA Orthopedic Clinic Today
The AOA Orthopedic Specialists wants you to live a full, active life. Let us assist you if you are suffering from hand or wrist pain. We will create a treatment strategy that fits your lifestyle and help you resume your favorite activities. If hand surgery in Dallas is required, our surgeons are skilled in less invasive procedures.
Contact us at (817) 375-5200 to make an appointment or fill our short appointment form.
If you Need Orthopedic Care, Why Should you go with AOA?
In its 25 years of service to the North Texas community, AOA Orthopedic Specialists has become the region’s preeminent orthopedic, spinal, and sports medicine services provider. Our orthopedic doctors have decades of experience in various orthopedic subspecialties and provide cutting-edge diagnostics, physical therapy, and surgeries. AOA ensures that you and your family will receive the best care possible at the most convenient locations thanks to our larger number of providers and clinics than any other orthopedics clinic in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
