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Understanding the Causes of Hand & Wrist Pain
The hand and wrist are among the most intricate structures in the human body, combining numerous bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and nerves to perform complex tasks. This complexity makes them susceptible to a wide range of injuries and conditions. Whether from overuse, trauma, or degenerative diseases, hand and wrist issues can significantly impact your quality of life. Iowa Specialty Hospital’s Orthopedic clinics in Belmond and Fort Dodge, Iowa offer non-surgical and surgical treatments to address these concerns effectively.
Common Sources of Hand and Wrist Pain
Our hands and wrists are essential for everyday activities—from checking your phone to preparing meals and performing your job. Given their constant use, they are prone to various types of injuries and conditions:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, this condition leads to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand.
- Fractures: Breaks or cracks in the bones of the hand or wrist due to trauma or falls.
- Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease that leads to stiffness and pain in the hand joints.
- Strains and Sprains: Injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments from overstretching or sudden impacts.
- Tendon and Ligament Problems: Issues such as tendonitis or ligament tears affecting hand function.
If you are experiencing hand pain or a hand injury, schedule an appointment with Orthopedic Specialists today!
Common Hand Conditions We Treat
At Orthopedic Specialists, we are equipped to handle a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pressure on the median nerve in the wrist causes pain and numbness in the hand.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Neuropathy): Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to pain and weakness in the hand.
- de Quervain’s Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture: A condition where the fingers bend towards the palm due to the thickening of connective tissue.
- Ganglion Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that form near joints or tendons in the hand or wrist.
- Hand and Wrist Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
- Finger Injuries: Including dislocations, fractures, and sprains affecting the fingers.
Effective Treatments for Hand Pain
Lifestyle Modifications for Pain Relief
Our approach to treating hand and wrist pain emphasizes personalized solutions. A cornerstone of our treatment involves lifestyle adjustments. Modifying activities and improving ergonomics can significantly reduce pain caused by repetitive stress injury or poor posture. This might include implementing ergonomic workstations or adjusting hand positions during tasks.
Hand Therapy
Hand therapy is an important part of our treatment plans, especially for those recovering from injuries or surgeries. This therapy incorporates a range of techniques, including:
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint and soft tissue function.
- Electrical muscle stimulation: To reduce pain and stimulate muscle contractions.
- Customized activity plans: To enhance strength and flexibility.
- Compression therapy: To reduce swelling and improve circulation.
- Heat and cold therapy: To manage pain and inflammation.
- Splinting: To support injured or recovering areas.
Advanced Treatments for Complex Cases
When conservative treatments are not sufficient, we may recommend more invasive options. Corticosteroid injections can provide relief from inflammation and pain, often as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. In cases requiring surgical intervention, we offer advanced techniques such as:
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery: Using small incisions to address joint issues.
- Carpal tunnel release surgery: To alleviate pressure on the median nerve.
- Microvascular and peripheral nerve surgeries: To repair damaged nerves and blood vessels.
Our goal is to provide effective and personalized treatment options to help patients regain hand and wrist function and improve their quality of life.
Providing Orthopedic Care Since 1995
At Orthopedic Specialists, our team of specialized orthopedic hand surgeons is dedicated to providing the best care for hand and wrist conditions in the Midwest. We focus on:
- Personalized Care: Each treatment plan is created for your needs and condition.
- State-of-the-Art Techniques: Utilizing the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.
- Comprehensive Services: Providing everything from physical therapy and rehabilitation from initial diagnosis to postoperative care.
With the frequent use of our hands in daily activities, timely and effective treatment of hand injuries and conditions is crucial. At Orthopedic Specialists, we ensure you receive the highest quality medical services to restore your hand function and alleviate pain.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards relief from hand and wrist pain.
