Did you know that the wrist and hand are two of the most commonly injured body parts? In fact, according to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, more than half of all reported workplace injuries involve the wrist or hand. Many of these injuries can be quite serious, leading to long-term problems if not treated properly. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 wrist and hand injuries, along with their symptoms and treatment options.
Wrist injuries are some of the most common injuries that people suffer from. The wrist is a delicate and complex joint, which makes it susceptible to a variety of injuries. The following are the top ten wrist and hand injuries:
A wrist fracture is a break in one or more bones in the wrist. It can be caused by a fall, a direct blow to the wrist, or an accident that twists or bends the wrist. Symptoms of a wrist fracture include pain, swelling, and bruising in the area of the break. The fractured bone may also move out of place.
The answer is probably quite a few times if you think back to how many times you were knocked down while playing sports (whether competitive or recreational). Also, how many of those instances did you extend your arm to break the fall?
The scaphoid bone, which is located near the thumb, is a tiny bone. When you fall, it usually bears the majority of the impact. Typically, the doctor will splint and stabilize the wound initially. If the break does not heal on its own after 12 weeks, the next step may be surgery. Reduction, internal fixation, or bone transplantation is used by orthopedic surgeons in this instance.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results from pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the base of the hand. The main symptoms are numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. These symptoms often occur at night and can disrupt sleep.
Tennis elbow is a condition caused by the overuse of muscles in the forearm that extend and straighten your fingers. The main symptom is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. The condition is also called lateral epicondylitis.
Golfers elbow is a condition caused by overuse of muscles in the forearm that flex and curl your fingers. The main symptom is pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. The condition is also called medial epicondylitis.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons that control the movement of the thumb. The main symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness in the thumb area, especially when you move your thumb away from your hand.
Trigger finger occurs when one or more of the tendons that control finger movement become inflamed and swollen. The main symptom is a pain in the affected finger, especially when you try to move it. The finger may also get stuck in a bent position.
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or around the wrist. The cyst can cause pain, swelling, and numbness in the area where it forms.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition caused by the thickening and tightening of tissues in the palm. This causes fingers to curl inward and can make it difficult to open your hand wide. The main symptoms are stiffness and inability to fully open the hand.
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict, limiting blood flow to these areas. The main symptom is pain, numbness, tingling, or coldness in the affected area. The condition can also cause skin color changes and sores on the fingertips.
Thumb arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the thumb joint. The main symptoms are pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty using the thumb.
These are just some of the most common wrist and hand injuries. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment is key to preventing further damage and restoring function to the injured area.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions, including back injuries. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com