What Causes Wrist & Hand Pain?
Wrist and hand pain can develop from injuries, repetitive strain, nerve compression, or degenerative conditions. Common causes include:
- Trauma & Injury – Falls, sudden twisting motions, or heavy lifting can lead to sprains, fractures, or ligament damage
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) – Typing, playing musical instruments, and sports can contribute to De Quervain’s disease and other stress-related conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand
- Kienbock's Disease – Progressive wrist bone deterioration due to lack of blood flow
- Ganglion Cysts – Fluid-filled cysts that form near joints and tendons, causing pain and limited movement
Who is at Risk for Wrist & Hand Pain?
Certain sports, occupations, and health conditions increase the risk of developing wrist and hand pain:
Sports that put strain on the wrist & hand:
- Golf, tennis, pickleball, bowling, baseball, squash
- Gymnastics, snowboarding, weightlifting, rock climbing
Occupations & Daily Activities that Increase Risk:
- Repetitive hand movements – Typing, writing, or assembly-line work
- Lifting and carrying heavy objects – Grocery shopping, childcare, or manual labor
- Driving for long periods – Strain from gripping the steering wheel
Health Conditions that Increase Risk:
- Obesity, pregnancy, and diabetes – Increase the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome
Recognizing the Symptoms of Wrist & Hand Pain
Wrist and hand pain symptoms vary depending on the condition but commonly include:
- Dull, aching, or shooting pain in the wrist, hand, or arm
- Numbness or tingling (especially in carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Swelling and stiffness
- Tingling sensations that wake you up at night
- Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks
Diagnosis: Identifying the Cause of Wrist & Hand Pain
At OPS Surgery Center, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess wrist and hand conditions, including:
- Comprehensive medical history and physical examination
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to assess joint and soft tissue damage
- Electromyography (EMG) – Evaluates nerve function and compression issues
When your wrist is bent too far, this can injure bands of tissue called "ligaments." Ligaments connect the bones of your hand to each other. They also connect the bones of your hand to the bones of your forearm.
Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that can attack joints throughout the body, commonly affects the joints and surrounding tendons of the wrist and fingers. It can cause the joints to become swollen, painful and possibly deformed, interfering with normal hand function and significantly impacting a person’s quality of life.
Treatment Options for Wrist & Hand Pain
At OPS Surgery Center, we offer a variety of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain and restore function.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
- Bracing & Splinting – Supports healing and prevents further strain
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs) – Helps reduce swelling and pain
- Physical Therapy – Strengthens muscles and improves flexibility
- Activity Modification – Adjusting daily movements to avoid aggravating pain
Injection-Based & Regenerative Medicine Treatments
- Corticosteroid Injections – Provides temporary relief from inflammation and pain
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses your body's natural healing factors to repair damaged tissues
- Ultrasound-Guided Injections – Ensures precise delivery of regenerative treatments to affected areas
Surgical Treatment for Severe Cases
- Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery – Relieves nerve compression in severe carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthroscopic Surgery – Minimally invasive procedures for joint damage and ligament tears
Find Relief from Wrist & Hand Pain at OPS Surgery Center
Your hands and wrists play a crucial role in everyday activities, and persistent pain can greatly affect your quality of life. At OPS Surgery Center, our specialists provide state-of-the-art, personalized treatments to help you recover safely and effectively.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore the best treatment options for your wrist and hand pain!
