Orthopedic Hand and Wrist Surgery in Columbia, SC
Common Hand & Wrist Conditions
We use our hands every day for many different tasks. So, when pain or discomfort in your hand or wrist arises, the effects it can have on day-to-day life are infinite. Even the slightest injury can cause issues completing the most basic of tasks. Common conditions that produce hand and wrist problems include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Arthritis
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Tendonitis
- Trigger Finger
- Deformities
- Trauma including Sports Injuries
Common Hand & Wrist Injury Symptoms
Different things can cause wrist pain. For example, people often say that the pain of osteoarthritis is like a dull toothache. Pins and needles are a common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. This tingling feeling usually happens at night in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. You can also figure out what’s causing wrist pain by focusing on where it hurts.
Hand & Wrist Injury Treatment
Our team of hand and wrist physicians can help identify your symptoms, determine the source of your pain, and create the best treatment plan for you. These issues can be appropriately treated by both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Our physicians will help to develop the best plan for you, in order for you to return to your daily life quickly and efficiently.
Non-surgical treatments may include:
- RICE therapy – Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Medications – Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help ease the pain and swelling of the injury
- Bracing and splinting – Helps immobilize the hand or wrist to allow the injury to heal
- Injections – Steroid injections can be used for temporary pain relief
- Physical therapy and hand exercises – For wrist injuries and tendon problems, a physical therapist can give you specific treatments and exercises to do. If you need surgery, your physical therapist can help you recover afterward as well
Surgical treatments may include:
- Nerve and Tendon Repairs
- Wrist Arthroscopy
- Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR)
- Fusion Procedures
How Painful is Wrist Surgery?
As a general rule, most people have dull pain for about two months after surgery. Sometimes, an accidental movement or overextension can cause severe pain. Pain medications can be given to those who may need them depending on their situation.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Wrist Surgery?
Most people need a few weeks to a few months to get better after wrist surgery. The bone itself might heal in a month or two, but it can take 4 to 6 months to fully recover from surgery or an injury.
When to See an Orthopedic Hand & Wrist Specialist
Not all hand or wrist pain needs to be checked out by a doctor. Most minor sprains and strains can be treated with ice, rest, and over-the-counter painkillers. But see a doctor if the pain and swelling last longer than a few days or get worse.
If you wait too long to get a diagnosis and start treatment, you might not heal well, lose some of your mobility, or be disabled for a long time.
Hand and Wrist Injury Prevention
Unforeseen accidents that often cause hand and wrist injuries can’t be stopped, but these simple tips may help prevent other injuries:
- Strengthen your bones – Getting enough calcium can help keep bones from breaking. Most adults need 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium every day
- Prevent falls – Most wrist injuries happen when a person falls forward on an outstretched hand. Wear shoes that will keep you from tripping. Get rid of dangers at home. Bring light into your room, and put grab bars in your bathroom and handrails on your stairs if needed
- Wear protective gear when you play sports – Wear wrist guards when you play sports like football, snowboarding, or rollerblading that are dangerous
- Pay attention to circumstances – If you spend a lot of time at a keyboard, you should take breaks often. Keep your wrists in a calm, neutral position when you type. A foam or gel wrist support and a keyboard that is made for your hands may help