Hand/Wrist/Elbow

Treating your pain

Depending on your condition, your doctor may first ask that you rest the injured hand, wrist, or elbow. You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines and a splint or brace to wear. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may suggest a cortisone (a strong anti-inflammatory medicine) injection to relieve your pain. If your symptoms still do not go away, surgery may be your best option.

Why does it hurt?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is just one of an array of conditions that can cause pain in your hand and wrist. With this syndrome, pressure builds up in the carpal tunnel and pinches the median nerve, which becomes inflamed and swollen. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes can also play a role. Fluid that builds up in the wrists during pregnancy can cause carpal tunnel syndrome as well. Often the ligament is simply too tight and causes the symptoms. Contact a Hughston Clinic hand specialist for a complete evaluation and diagnosis of your hand and wrist pain.

Common injuries we treat

Hand and finger injuries can result in a variety of symptoms including pain, swelling, stiffness, deformity, and change in position. However, the severity of the symptoms does not always correlate with the injury. A minor injury requiring minimal treatment can produce significant pain and swelling, and in some instances, the symptoms of a major injury are minimal pain, swelling, and stiffness. Consequently, it is important that an orthopedist or hand specialist evaluate all finger injuries. Contact a Hughston board-certified hand specialist today.

• Arthritis that affects the hand, wrist, and elbow
• Basilar joint arthritis
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Compartment syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Cysts of hand and wrist
• DeQuervan’s syndrome
• Dislocations
• Distal humerus fractures
• Elbow overuse injuries
• Flexor tendon injuries
• Fractures
• Ganglion cysts
• Golfer’s elbow
• Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow
• Mallet finger
• Radial head fractures
• Thumb, finger, wrist sprains
• Trigger finger
• Ulnar tunnel syndrome
• Ulnar collateral ligament injuries (Tommy John Surgery)

Don’t suffer with chronic pain

Don’t suffer with chronic pain in your hand, wrist, or elbow. Except in the most severe cases, your Hughston doctor will try to resolve your symptoms using nonsurgical treatments first. For example, wearing a splint, taking anti-inflammatory medicines, or having an injection of anti-inflammatory medicine can relieve the symptoms for most people.

Is WALANT Right For You?

Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia with No Tourniquet (WALANT) is a technique where local anesthetics are injected directly into the surgical site, allowing patients to remain awake and pain-free during procedures. Commonly used for upper extremity surgeries such as carpal tunnel release, tendon repairs, and fracture care, WALANT is gaining popularity for other surgeries, including those of the foot and ankle. The procedure eliminates the need for a tourniquet, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, offering benefits such as reduced recovery time, immediate discharge after surgery, and cost savings for healthcare systems. Patients may experience mild side effects like jitteriness or dizziness due to the epinephrine in the anesthetic, but these are typically temporary and manageable.

WALANT is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with vascular conditions, severe heart or lung issues, or psychological disorders such as high anxiety or PTSD. It also requires patient participation during the procedure, which can help surgeons assess the surgical repair in real time, improving outcomes. While rare, risks include vasoconstriction or heart rate elevation due to epinephrine, though these complications are minimal. Ultimately, WALANT offers high patient satisfaction, reduced hospital resource use, and fewer pre-surgery requirements, making it an attractive option for appropriate candidates.

Patient Education