Hand & Wrist Pain & Treatments

Common Causes of Hand and Wrist Pain

Hand and wrist pain can severely limit daily activity and diminish the quality of life. The most common causes are:

• Injuries such as tendon lacerations, sprains, strains and fractures
• Carpal tunnel
• Basilar joint arthritis – arthritis at the base of the thumb
• Ganglion cyst
• De Quervain's tenosynovitis
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Referred pain from the neck

Getting to the Root Cause of Hand and Wrist Pain

There are many possible causes of hand and wrist pain, including referred pain from other parts of the body. Since proper treatment will depend on the root cause, see your family doctor or an orthopedic specialist for a proper diagnosis.

Diagnostic Testing

Typically, your family doctor or orthopedic specialist may use one or more of the following evaluation methods to arrive at a diagnosis:

• Physical examination
• X-ray
• MRI
• Electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (CV)
• Blood test for rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment Options

Your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:

• Medication – typically oral anti-inflammatories
• Physical or occupational therapy – Person Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive rehabilitation services. Ask your doctor about a referral.
• Splinting
• Rest or activity modification if the cause is overuse
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery – the most common hand and wrist surgeries performed at Maria Parham Health are:
  • Open carpal tunnel release
  • Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
  • Basilar ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI)