Proper functioning of the hands and wrists is essential to many activities of daily living from cooking and cleaning to personal hygiene, performing work duties and more. Overuse and fragility of the small bones in these parts of the body leave the hands and wrists vulnerable to a variety of injuries. Such injuries can include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis
- Tendon pain
- Sports injuries
There are a number of non-surgical options available for these and other conditions that can arise from injuries to the hands and wrists.
Splinting and Bracing
Placing the injured wrist, hand, or finger into a splint or brace keeps the injured area from moving and allows it time to rest and heal. Depending on the severity of the injury, the splint or brace may need to be worn constantly for a period of time or, in some cases, may only be worn during sleep. Splinting and bracing can be helpful in treating arthritis, carpal tunnel, and a number of impact injuries.
Temperature Regulation
Applying hot or cold packs to the affected areas of the hand or wrist as directed by a physician can alleviate symptoms of some conditions, such as arthritis and carpal tunnel.
Injections
In some cases, your orthopedic specialist may recommend the use of steroid injections to treat certain hand and wrist injuries. Studies have shown that steroid injections can be effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel, as well as tendon and ligament injuries.
Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist can design a specialized regimen of exercises for patients with hand injuries. Over a period of time, practicing these exercises can assist in restoring proper functioning of the wrist, fingers, and hands.
Massage Therapy
For repetitive stress injuries to the hands and wrists, including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, massage can alleviate pain and improve functioning in affected parts of the body.
Request an appointment with Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute today. One of our orthopedic specialists can determine whether any of these options could be used as an alternative to surgery for your hand or wrist injury.
