7 Common Hand & Wrist Conditions That May Require Surgery
If you’re struggling with hand or wrist pain, you might wonder if you should see a doctor. Understanding common causes and symptoms of hand and wrist conditions can help you decide. Learn what to look out for from San Francisco’s best orthopedic surgeon.
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Hand and wrist conditions are prevalent health issues that affect a significant portion of the population. In fact, nearly 20% of adults in the United States suffer from hand or wrist pain. Hand and wrist injuries are also the third-most common type of work-related injury in the United States.
While some hand and wrist problems are manageable, others make it challenging or even impossible to perform even simple tasks — particularly if you work in occupations that require manual dexterity or enjoy hobbies or sports that use repetitive wrist movements or hand strength. Thankfully, there are many solutions to hand and wrist conditions, including non-invasive treatments that can relieve pain without putting you through surgery.
Read on to learn about common conditions affecting the hands and wrists, when to see a doctor, and where to find the best orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco.
Seven Common Types of Hand and Wrist Conditions
There are a whopping 27 bones in the wrist and hand, along with 27 joints, 34 muscles, and over 100 ligaments and tendons — not to mention the many blood vessels and soft tissues. Injuries or conditions that involve these structures can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities and enjoy your hobbies. This is why getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is so important. Below are seven of the most common hand and wrist conditions that are easily fixed with a visit to an orthopedic surgeon:
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by bones and ligaments that can become constricted due to repetitive hand movements, inflammation, or anatomical variations. This narrowing can cause compression of the median nerve, known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are:
Numbness
Tingling
Pain in the fingers, palm, or wrist
Pain that worsens at night
In advanced cases, weakness and loss of dexterity may occur. Treatment options range from conservative measures like wrist splinting and ergonomic adjustments to more invasive procedures such as corticosteroid injections or carpal tunnel release surgery.
2. Fractures
Breaks in the small, fragile bones of the hand and wrist often result from falls, sports injuries, or direct impacts. These fractures can occur in any of the over two dozen bones in the hand and wrist — including the small bones of the fingers, called phalanges; the longer bones in the palm, called metacarpals; or the bones forming the wrist joint, collectively called carpal bones.
Symptoms of a bone fracture typically include:
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Deformity
Limited mobility
Treatment depends on the location and complexity of the fracture and may involve immobilization with a cast or splint, realignment of bones, or, in some cases, surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and restore function.
3. Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are benign, fluid-filled lumps that can develop along the tendons or joints of the wrist or hand. These cysts can vary from pea-sized to larger and may appear suddenly or grow gradually. They are typically round or oval and feel firm to the touch. While the exact cause is unknown, they are believed to result from trauma or repetitive stress, causing joint or tendon tissue to bulge out of place.
Ganglion cysts are often painless but can cause discomfort and weakness or interfere with joint movement if they press on nerves. Some cysts disappear on their own, while others require treatment ranging from draining the fluid with a small needle to surgical removal of the cyst.
4. Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the joints and can cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the hands and wrists. It can occur in various forms, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the two most common types.
Common causes of arthritis include:
Aging
Previous injuries
Autoimmune conditions
Symptoms of arthritis include:
Joint pain
Swelling
Difficulty with range of motion
Visible deformities in some cases
Decreased grip strength
Arthritis treatment aims to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and maintain joint function through a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preserving hand and wrist function and quality of life.
5. Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes the fingers to catch or lock when bent. It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the tendon sheath, impeding the smooth gliding of the tendon through its protective covering. This results in a characteristic catching or popping sensation when attempting to straighten the affected finger — sometimes accompanied by pain and stiffness.
Symptoms may range from mild discomfort to severe pain and limited finger movement. Treatment options include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and surgical release of the constricted tendon sheath in persistent cases.
6. Tendonitis
Tendonitis of the hand or wrist is an inflammatory condition affecting the fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones, known as tendons. It typically results from repetitive motions, overuse, or sudden injury to the hand or wrist. Common types of tendonitis include De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which affects the thumb side of the wrist, and flexor tendonitis, which impacts the palm side of the wrist.
Symptoms of tendonitis include:
Pain, especially with movement
Swelling
Warmth
Creaking sensations, known as crepitus
The affected hand or wrist may be tender to touch, and it may be difficult to move in the ways that you want to during daily activities, sports, or work.
Treatment for tendonitis usually involves rest, ice or heat therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes corticosteroid injections or physical therapy. Severe or persistent cases usually need surgical intervention.
7. Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a progressive hand condition that affects the layer of tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. It begins with the formation of knots of tissue under the skin, eventually creating a thick cord that can pull one or more fingers into a bent position. This contracture most commonly affects the ring and pinky fingers, making it difficult to extend the fingers or lay the hand flat.
The condition usually develops slowly over the years, and while the exact cause is unknown, genetics may play a role. Treatment options vary based on severity and range from minimally invasive therapies like needle aponeurotomy and enzyme injections to surgical interventions for advanced cases.
When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon for Hand or Wrist Pain
If you're experiencing persistent hand or wrist pain, it's important to know when to seek specialized care from an orthopedic surgeon. While minor conditions can be well managed with rest and over-the-counter treatments, certain symptoms warrant professional attention.
Consider consulting an orthopedic surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks despite conservative treatments
Severe pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
Visible deformities or changes in hand or wrist appearance
Loss of function or decreased range of motion
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers
Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
Pain from an injury that doesn't improve
Symptoms of arthritis, including joint stiffness and swelling
Inability to perform job-related tasks or enjoy hobbies due to hand or wrist issues
An orthopedic surgeon can provide accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, including medication, physical therapy, injections, or surgical treatments if necessary.
Finding the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Francisco
When it comes to getting relief from pain and regaining mobility of your hand and wrist, trusting your care to a highly skilled specialist can make all the difference.
This is why Dr. James Chen is committed to upholding his reputation as the premier orthopedic surgeon in the Bay Area. With his extensive expertise in both open and minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Chen leads a dedicated surgical team that employs cutting-edge technology and advanced techniques associated with faster recovery times and reduced discomfort. His commitment to personalized care, combined with his dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest orthopedic technology, makes him the top choice for those seeking relief from hand and wrist conditions and a return to their active lifestyles.
Ready to get relief from nagging pain and regain full mobility of your hands and wrists from San Francisco’s leading orthopedic surgeon?
