At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, we recognize the importance of your hands and wrists. These complex structures allow us to perform an incredible variety of tasks, from writing and typing to cooking and driving. Unfortunately, hand and wrist injuries are all too common and can severely impact our daily lives.

In this blog, we'll discuss some of the most common hand and wrist injuries we see at our Hand to Shoulder Clinic, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Fractures

Hand and wrist fractures are among the most common injuries we treat at MidAmerica Orthopaedics. These injuries occur when a bone in the hand or wrist is broken. Common causes of fractures include falls, sports injuries, work injuries and car accidents.

Symptoms of a fracture may include swelling, pain, tenderness, and difficulty moving the affected area. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the fracture but may include immobilization with a cast or splint, medication for pain management, and surgery in severe cases.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. This can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include repetitive motions, such as typing or using a computer mouse, and wrist injuries.

Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome may include rest, wrist splints, physical therapy, and medication. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons in the hand and wrist. This condition is often caused by repetitive motions or overuse, such as playing sports or performing manual labor. Symptoms of tendinitis may include pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are several different types of tendinitis, not all of which occur in the hands and wrists, but we see plenty of it at MidAmerica Orthopaedics from patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Treatment options for tendinitis may include rest, ice, physical therapy, and medication. In severe cases where non-surgical methods have not been successful, surgery may be recommended to repair damaged tendons.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. This condition is often caused by repetitive motions or overuse and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the thumb.

Treatment options for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis may include rest, wrist splints, physical therapy, and medication. In more rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tendons if non-surgical methods prove ineffective.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the common wrist injuries and conditions we see patients coming through our doors suffering from. There are a host of others including sprains, hyperextensions, and more. If you are experiencing pain, you’re not alone. Stop by either of our locations in suburban Chicago or call (708) 237-7200 to make an appointment.