Wrist Injuries

What are hand and wrist injuries?

Hand and wrist injuries affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or cartilage in your hands or wrists. They range in severity from mild to debilitating and present various symptoms.

Your hands, wrists, and fingers have 27 bones, 27 joints, and over 100 tendons and ligaments. These hard and soft tissues work together so you can touch, grasp, feel, hold, and manipulate objects. General wear-and-tear or traumatic injuries can damage these tissues, affecting your mobility and quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of hand and wrist injuries?

Hand and wrist injury symptoms include:

• Tenderness in a specific spot (e.g., the base of your thumb)
• Joint stiffness
• Inability to move the affected fingers or wrist
• Swelling and warmth
• Bruising and skin discoloration

Sometimes, the fingers, hand, and wrist make popping or cracking noises following an injury.

What are some common hand and wrist injuries?

Premier Injury Providers treats various hand and wrist injuries, including:

• Arthritis
• Broken bones (fractures)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome 
• Ganglion cysts
• Sprains and strains
• Tendonitis
• Capsulitis
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (inflammation of the wrist tendons that run to the thumb)

Nerve injuries can affect the hands and wrists. For example, if you regularly use hand tools or perform repetitive motions at work, one or more of the nerves in your hand or wrist may become compressed. 

How are hand and wrist injuries diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your hand and wrist. They check for swelling and bruising, gently press on the affected area to identify sensitive spots, and assess your muscle strength and range of motion.

Sometimes, a visual exam is enough to make a diagnosis. However, if your provider suspects a broken bone or soft tissue injury, they complete diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an ultrasound.

How are hand and wrist injuries treated?

Premier Injury Providers treats hand and wrist injuries using a conservative and patient-centered approach. They might suggest:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Wearing a cast or a splint
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Activity modification

If your injury doesn’t improve with conservative treatment, surgery might be necessary. The providers use a minimally invasive approach whenever possible to speed healing and prevent complications.

Call the nearest Premier Injury Providers office to schedule hand and wrist injury treatment, or book your visit online today.