Hand/Wrist/Elbow

If you have pain and swelling in your hand, finger, wrist, or elbow, don’t ignore the symptoms. From general pain to hand emergencies, our Hughston physicians specializes in trauma, sports injuries, and conditions that affect the hand and upper extremity.

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

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.

Did you know?

Hand and finger pain caused by texting on cell phones is common. The overuse symptoms include pain and numbness in the thumbs and hand joints. To prevent this condition, take frequent breaks, and don’t type for more than three minutes. Gently stretch your arms and shoulders during breaks from typing. And take time away from your phone and social media to enjoy family and friends in person.

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