Hand and Wrist Care

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve. This pressure can cause numbness or a tingling sensation in your hand and fingers. You might also feel pain or a tingling sensation that travels from your wrist up your forearm. Some patients also experience weakness in their hand, making it difficult to grasp or hold onto objects.

If you suspect you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, a hand surgeon can perform a physical exam to diagnose it. During the exam, they will discuss your symptoms and possibly order an X-ray or an EMG.

How your doctor handles carpal tunnel treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your wrist pain specialist will typically start with nonsurgical treatments to relieve pain and reduce pressure on the median nerve. These may include:

• Over-the-counter medication to relieve pain and inflammation
• Hand therapy with a physical therapist who specializes in hand conditions
• Changes to activities at home or work that may be contributing to your symptoms
• Wearing a wrist splint periodically throughout the day

If these treatments do not provide enough relief, surgery may be necessary to release pressure on the median nerve. A carpal tunnel surgeon can evaluate your condition and determine if surgery is right for you.

Learn more about carpal tunnel treatment.

Trigger finger, or trigger thumb, happens when inflammation or irritation leaves your finger temporarily stuck in a bent position. This condition is common among women and people with rheumatoid arthritis. You will also see it in anyone whose work or hobbies require repetitive hand movements.

Diagnosing trigger finger is simple and usually requires a quick physical exam. The goal of trigger finger treatment is to restore motion and reduce any painful clicking, locking, or popping.

Surgery is often not required for trigger finger treatment. Your hand specialist will likely start with conservative, nonsurgical options. These may include:

• Over-the-counter medications to reduce inflammation
• Splinting of the affected finger
• Modifying the behavior that caused the inflammation
• Simple hand therapy stretching exercises

For more serious cases, localized corticosteroid injections or an outpatient procedure may be required. If you require surgery, your hand surgeon can make a small incision at the base of the finger. This releases the constricted area of tissue and allows the tendon to move more freely.

Learn more about trigger finger treatment.

Arthritis in the hands, wrists, and fingers is common as you age. Whether the cause is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA), it can be painful. Since we use our hands so often—gripping small objects, writing, typing, and more—this pain can also severly interfere with your daily life.

If you visit a hand specialist, their recommendation will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your condition. Hand arthritis treatment options may include:

• Medication to help manage your arthritis pain
• Physical therapy to help relieve some symptoms and improve your flexibility
• Range-of-motion exercises to help maintain movement in your hands and fingers
• Orthobiologic treatment for certain patients
• Surgery may be recommended in more severe cases

Campbell Clinic has physical therapists who specialize in treating hand conditions. Your hand specialist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right hand arthritis treatment for you.

Learn more about hand arthritis treatment.