The most common cause of hand or wrist pain we treat is carpal tunnel syndrome. Over time, prolonged positions—such as typing on a keyboard—can cause swelling along the carpal tunnel. This narrow passageway allows nerves and tendons to reach your fingers. Swelling can press down on the nerve, resulting in feeling pain in the hands, numbness or tingling with activity, cramping, or difficulty performing routine tasks.
Why Hendricks?
Our orthopedic experts are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of hand & wrist injuries and concerns—and ensures your continued care is comfortable and effective. At Hendricks, we offer award-winning patient care and hand services including:
- Streamlined electronic medical record system, delivering information when it's needed
- Highly coordinated physical therapists, nurses, and orthopedic surgeons
- Physical therapy, localized pain treatments, minor and major surgery for repairs
- Continued support during the entire recovery process
Hand Pain Symptoms and Treatment
Nonsurgical Treatments
Prior to having surgery, we will assess and likely treat your hand or wrist pain with other types of treatments. Changes to your work environment or wearing a carpal tunnel brace could help alleviate pain. Many patients find that their symptoms improve from a treatment plan using one or more of these options:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Occupational therapy with one of our certified hand therapists
- Changes to your workspace
- Wrist splints or steroid injections in the wrist to relieve pain
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
If hand surgery is needed, this will be performed as an outpatient procedure. During a carpal tunnel release, a hand surgeon cuts through the ligament that is pressing down on the carpal tunnel. This provides more room for the median nerve and tendons passing through the tunnel, bringing pain relief and better function. Post surgery, our physical therapy staff will work with you closely to get your hands and wrists feeling strong and pain-free.