HAND/WRIST PAIN
Living with hand or wrist pain is difficult. Everyday tasks can be hard to perform, slowing you down and impacting your productivity. Injuries, arthritis and other conditions can cause hand and wrist pain, stiffness and function issues. At Ospina Medical, our advanced diagnostic options will determine the source of most hand/wrist pain and dysfunction, with innovative treatments available to give you relief. If you live or work in NYC, we are your source for pain management and function recovery.
The hands and wrists are connected to and impacted by the various muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves in the shoulder and arm. While direct injuries to the hand or wrist can cause pain, some symptoms can radiate from nerve compression in the neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist. Pain combined with tingling or numbness can indicate nerve problems, a common issue with the hands and wrist. Determining the source of pain is our first goal at Ospina Medical, before we can recommend a treatment plan to improve discomfort and increase function.
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TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR WRIST AND HAND PAIN
Injuries, arthritis, bursitis, tunnel syndromes and nerve issues, like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), can be the source of finger, hand and wrist pain. Depending on the diagnosis, we offer a variety of options to give our patients relief. Steroid injections can be used to relieve inflammation in joints or near nerves to offer relief. Other types of injection therapy include trigger point, bursa or interventional orthopedic therapy, depending on the source of pain. Our pain specialists can find a comprehensive treatment plan that includes pain management and interventional orthopedics to improve function and lessen pain.
When you want access to the most advanced treatments available for hand/wrist pain management, contact our team at Ospina Medical in Midtown Manhattan to schedule your appointment. We are focused on patient-centric care that will give you the best options for pain relief.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
The median nerve travels from the spinal cord through the arm to serve the wrist and hand. The final nerve tunnel it travels through, is the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This space, created by ligaments and bone, can become narrowed by swelling or inflammation, putting pressure on the median nerve. When the median nerve is irritated traveling through the wrist, it is called carpal tunnel syndrome. Our team at Ospina Medical offers effective elbow/hand/wrist treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome at our clinic in Midtown Manhattan.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF CARPAL TUNNEL
When the median nerve is compressed when traveling through the carpal tunnel, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the wrist and hand. The median nerve serves the thumb, pointer, middle and part of the ring finger. Symptoms usually begin gradually, with some pain, tingling or numbness. There can be increased weakness in the hand.
The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive motions requiring the wrist to bend forward. Typing is a common cause of inflammation in the wrist that irritates the median nerve. Other repetitive wrist movements and certain health conditions, like diabetes and osteoarthritis, can contribute to causing carpal tunnel nerve compression.
Relieving pressure on the median nerve in the wrist may relieve symptoms. Physical therapy and exercises offer help for minor conditions. Other treatment options can include injection therapy to relieve inflammation in the wrist joint. Our interventional pain physicians at Ospina Medical provide advanced options to relieve hand and wrist pain or dysfunction relating to carpal tunnel syndrome to avoid surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome or suffer from chronic hand pain, come see us at Ospina Medical in NYC. We will help find solutions for relieving pain and improving your hand function.
Hand and Wrist Pain FAQ
What can I do to manage hand and wrist pain at home?
There are several things you can do at home to get short-term relief from hand and wrist pain. Rest the affected area to prevent further strain. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and alleviate pain; use them for 15-20 minutes every few hours. Perform gentle stretching exercises to maintain mobility, but avoid overexertion. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. During your consultation at our NYC office, our pain management specialists can provide additional guidance.
When should I see a doctor about hand and wrist pain?
You should reach out to Ospina Medical if your hand or wrist pain is severe, persistent, or worsening over time. If you experience numbness, tingling, weakness in the hand or wrist, or if the pain is accompanied by redness, warmth, or swelling, it's important to seek medical attention. Additionally, if the pain limits your daily activities or if home remedies don’t bring relief, a doctor's evaluation is recommended.
Who is most at risk of hand and wrist pain?
Individuals most at risk of hand and wrist pain include those engaged in repetitive hand movements, such as typists, musicians, or workers using vibrating tools. Age is also a factor; older adults are more prone to conditions like arthritis (although anyone can experience it at any age). People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome have a higher risk. Sports enthusiasts, particularly those in racquet sports, gymnastics, or golf, are also more susceptible to hand and wrist injuries leading to pain.