Regardless of the cause or severity of your hand pain, the pain can interfere with your ability to do even simple tasks. If you cannot hold your phone without your hand hurting, or you cannot type without being bothered by the pain, then it is in your best interest to see a hand specialist who can recommend the appropriate treatment.
Let’s talk about some of the most common causes of hand pain and their initial treatments, and where you can go for an orthopedic evaluation and a solution that works to mitigate your pain once and for all.
Tendonitis
Injury to one or more of the tendons in the arm can cause inflammation that leads to hand pain. The extensor tendons (running along the back of the hand and fingers) and flexor tendons (along the palm side of the hand) are two of the most commonly injured tendons that can cause hand pain.
Tendonitis can be treated by resting the hand and wearing a hand splint. Surgery may be warranted if other treatments do not work. In extensor tendon repair surgery and flexor tendon repair surgery, the ends of the ruptured tendon are stitched back together.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is when your finger or thumb is stuck in a bent position, and you may be able to straighten it with a sudden jolt as if pulling and releasing a trigger. When a tendon in a finger is inflamed, the space in the tendon’s protective sheath becomes narrow – which makes it difficult for the tendon to allow movement.
Treatment for trigger finger usually involves minor surgery to create more space in the tendon sheath.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve – which runs from the arm to the hand and fingers through the carpal tunnel in the wrist – becomes pinched and compressed in the tunnel. This can cause weakness, pain, and numbness in the hand and fingers. Repetitive motion is the most common risk factor for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
If carpal tunnel syndrome is caught early, it can be treated with non-invasive methods such as wearing a hand and wrist splint. Corticosteroid injections can help relieve pain and inflammation. If none of the conservative methods work, surgery can be performed to open up the carpal tunnel.
Hand Arthritis
There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and most of them can indeed affect the hands. Hand arthritis symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and a dull or burning sensation in the hand.
Treatment for hand arthritis varies, but most patients experience relief with non-surgical methods such as over-the-counter pain-relief medicine, ice and heat therapy, and physical therapy.
Hand Specialist in North Dakota
Hand pain that limits your daily activities should be evaluated by a hand specialist for individualized treatment of the specific cause. Here at The Bone & Joint Center, we have hand specialists on our team who can diagnose and treat your condition, restoring your hand strength and function. We have locations across North Dakota for your convenience.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (800) 424-2663 or by filling out our convenient online form. We look forward to helping you find long-term relief from your hand pain!
