Hand & Wrist
Associated Orthopaedics is proud to offer hand & wrist services to our patients. The human hand is an incredibly intricate and fragile structure, and even a small injury can cause significant pain and inconvenience. Whether it involves surgery, physical therapy, or a combination of both, we are committed to helping our patients regain full function of their hands and wrists.
When to See a Hand & Wrist Surgeon
The human hand is capable of a wide range of motion and delicate dexterity. However, this functionality also makes the hand susceptible to injury and pain. When you experience hand or wrist pain, it can be difficult to perform even the most basic tasks. So, when should you see a hand & wrist specialist?
In general, there are a few signs that indicate it’s time to see a hand & wrist surgeon, regardless of your specific condition.
- Persistent pain
- Deformity
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness
- Acute trauma
Conditions We Treat
Our hand & wrist specialists are highly trained and experienced in treating a wide range of conditions including:
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Ganglion cysts
- Hand fractures
- Wrist fractures
Carpal tunnel is a condition that affects the hand and fingers. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that is surrounded by bones and ligaments. The median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, passes through this tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand and fingers. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent damage to the median nerve. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome includes rest, splinting, steroids, and surgery. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on the median nerve.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons in the wrist. The tendons are responsible for moving the thumb, and when they become inflamed, it can cause pain and swelling in the wrist. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is often caused by overuse, such as repetitive motions or gripping. It can also be caused by injury or arthritis.
Ever have your finger get "stuck" when you try to straighten it out? That sensation is called trigger finger, and it occurs when the tendon that bends the finger becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes the tendon to catch on the sheath that surrounds it, making it difficult to move the finger.
In severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position. Trigger finger is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, but it occurs more often in older women.
There are many different types of hand and wrist fractures, but they all have one thing in common: they involve a break in one or more of the bones in the hand or wrist. Some of the most common types of hand and wrist fractures include fractures of the metacarpals (the bones in the palm of the hand), the carpals (the bones in the wrist), and the phalanges (the bones in the fingers). Fractures can also occur at the base of the thumb or at the joint between the two bones of the forearm.
Most hand and wrist fractures are caused by trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the hand or wrist. However, some fractures can be caused by degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis. Treatment for a hand or wrist fracture usually involves immobilization of the affected area with a splint or cast. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to repair the fracture.
Hand & Wrist Care Services in Kingsport, Tennessee
Is the tingling sensation in your finger getting worse or is the swelling in your hand becoming more persistent? You should meet with our hand & wrist specialists today to get your condition evaluated. Contact Associated Orthopaedics in Kingsport, Tennessee, today at (423) 245-3161 or schedule an appointment online.
