Hand and Wrist Pain Treatment

hand-specialistThe hand and wrist are intricate areas of the human body that are highly vulnerable to injury. Without the healthy functioning of these parts, we cannot enjoy a wide range of activities – playing a musical instrument, gardening, or performing simple tasks at home.

The advanced orthopedic specialists at AOSMI are experienced in treating hand and wrist pain resulting from sports injuries, arthritis, or everyday activities.

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries Treated

The good news is that you will always be treated by the best orthopedic doctors in NJ when you seek care at AOSMI. Our hand, wrist and elbow doctors can treat everything from unexplained pain to common traumatic injuries and conditions including:

Non-Surgical Treatments for Hand and Wrist Pain

At AOSMI, we apply advanced techniques to ensure that whenever possible your condition is treated without surgery. We develop long-range treatment plans such as hand-wrist-surgeonphysical therapy to address muscle and joint stress or weakness caused by repetitive motion injuries. Our hand and wrist specialists, lead in innovative care for hand, wrist and other upper extremity problems by continuously utilizing the newest and most effective methods of evaluating, treating and rehabilitating our patients without surgery.

Hand and Wrist Surgical Procedures Offered at AOSMI

If your hand and wrist specialist determines that surgery is necessary or indicated for your condition common orthopedic procedures include:

  • Trigger finger release.  This procedure, which often takes less than 15 minutes, is effective and eliminating pain, locking, and catching of the finger due to trigger finger
  • Tendon and ligament repair
  • Tennis elbow surgery.  This procedure can remove damaged portions of the tendon and repair the healthy portions to eliminate pain and restore strength.  This procedure is typically minimally invasive
  • Elbow arthroscopy. A minimally invasive way to address problems inside the elbow such as bone spurs, arthritis, and tennis elbow
  • Artificial joint replacement of the finger
  • Carpal tunnel release. This is typically done in a minimally invasive fashion in under 10 minutes providing relief of pain, numbness and weakness from carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Cubital Tunnel Release
  • Ganlgion Cyst Removal
  • Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery
  • and more

Frequently Asked Questions About Hand & Wrist Pain

Q: What is the best type of doctor to visit for hand and wrist pain?

A: Hand and wrist pain can be evaluated and treated by different types of doctors, depending on the specific condition and its severity. The following healthcare professionals commonly address hand and wrist pain:

  1. Orthopedic upper extremity surgeon (hand, wrist, elbow)hand surgeon: These specialists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of hand and wrist conditions, including fractures, arthritis, tendon injuries, and nerve disorders.
  2. Pain management physician: Pain management doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain conditions. They can offer various interventions and treatment options for hand and wrist pain, such as medication management, injections, and nerve blocks.
  3. Physical therapist: Physical therapists can help with the rehabilitation of hand and wrist injuries, provide exercises, and recommend splints or braces.

Q: How do I know if my wrist pain is serious?

A: It’s important to consider the following signs and symptoms that may indicate a more serious issue with wrist pain:

  1. Severe or persistent pain that worsens over time.
  2. Inability to move or bear weight on the affected wrist.
  3. Swelling, redness, or warmth around the wrist joint.
  4. Visible deformity or misalignment of the wrist.
  5. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers.

Q: What are the first signs of arthritis in hands and wrist?

A: The early signs and symptoms of arthritis in the hands and wrists can include:

  1. Joint pain or tenderness, especially with movement or gripping.
  2. Stiffness in the hands or wrists, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
  3. Swelling or puffiness around the affected joints.
  4. Reduced grip strength or difficulty performing fine motor tasks.
  5. Development of bony nodules or visible joint deformities.

Q: When should I go see a doctor for hand or wrist pain?

A: While individual circumstances may vary, it is generally recommended to seek medical attention for hand or wrist pain in the following situations:

  1. Severe pain or inability to use the hand or wrist.
  2. Visible deformity, swelling, or bruising around the hand or wrist.
  3. Intense, persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter pain medications.
  4. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers.
  5. Pain that persists for more than a few days or significantly impacts daily activities.

Q: Can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated without surgery?

A: Yes, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be treated without surgery in many cases. Non-surgical treatment options for CTS may include:

  1. Wrist splinting: Wearing a splint that keeps the wrist in a neutral position, particularly at night, can help relieve symptoms.
  2. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
  3. Activity modification: Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms or implementing ergonomic changes in workstations may provide relief.
  4. Physical therapy: Exercises focused on stretching and strengthening the wrist and hand muscles can be beneficial.
  5. Lifestyle changes: Making adjustments to reduce repetitive motions or positions that aggravate symptoms.

In cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief or if there is severe nerve compression or muscle wasting, surgery may be recommended.

Find your Provider

Michael J. Greller, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAOS

Stacey Gallacher, MD, FAAOS

Garret L. Sobol, MD

Arth Patel, MD, MPH

Ali Valimahomed, MD, FAAPMR

Edward J. Armbruster, DO, MBA