Wrist & Hand Pain Treatment

Wrist and hand pain can significantly affect daily life, limiting a person’s ability to perform basic tasks such as writing, typing, or lifting objects. The wrist and hand contain a complex network of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, which makes them susceptible to a variety of injuries and conditions. Common causes of wrist and hand pain include repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, fractures, sprains, and nerve compression. These conditions can result from overuse, trauma, aging, or underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most prevalent conditions causing wrist pain. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and pain, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Tendonitis, which causes inflammation of the tendons in the wrist or hand, often results from repetitive motions like typing or using a mouse for long periods. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to joint pain and stiffness in the hands and wrists, limiting mobility and causing discomfort.

Treatment for wrist and hand pain depends on the specific condition and its severity. Conservative treatment options include rest, splinting, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the median nerve. In more severe cases, surgical options may be considered. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, involves releasing the ligament that is pressing on the nerve, while tendon repairs or joint replacements may be needed for tendonitis or arthritis-related damage. With proper treatment and care, most individuals can achieve significant relief from wrist and hand pain and restore their ability to function normally.