Common Hand and Wrist Conditions: Symptoms and Solutions

Our hands and wrists are essential parts of our daily lives, allowing us to perform countless tasks. However, they are also prone to various conditions that can cause pain and limit our ability to function. Understanding these conditions, their symptoms, and available treatments can help you manage and prevent discomfort. Here are some common hand and wrist conditions, along with their symptoms and solutions.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Symptoms:

• Feeling numbness or a tingling sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
• Weakness in the hand.
• Pain in the wrist and hand, especially at night.

Solutions:

• Rest and Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint can keep the wrist in a neutral position, especially at night.
• Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce pressure on the median nerve.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, a procedure to release the carpal tunnel may be necessary.

2. Trigger Finger

Symptoms:

• Experiencing stiffness and a feeling of locking or catching when bending or straightening your finger.
• Pain and a small bump at the base of the affected finger.

Solutions:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that worsen the condition.
• Splinting: Wearing a finger splint to limit movement and reduce inflammation.
• Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching can help improve flexibility.
• Steroid Injections: Reducing inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: In persistent cases, a surgical procedure to release the tendon may be required.

3. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Symptoms:

• Discomfort and inflammation close to the base of the thumb.
• Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when performing activities that involve grasping or pinching.
• A sticking or stop-and-go sensation in the thumb when moving it.

Solutions:

• Rest and Ice: Reducing activities that cause pain and applying ice to decrease swelling.
• Splinting: Using a splint to immobilize the thumb and wrist.
• Medications: NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises.
• Steroid Injections: To reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, to release the tendons.

4. Ganglion Cysts

Symptoms:

• A visible lump on the wrist or hand, often painless.
• Pain or discomfort if the cyst presses on a nerve.
• Decreased range of motion in the affected area.

Solutions:

• Observation: If the cyst is not painful, it can be left alone and monitored.
• Aspiration: Extracting the fluid from the cyst using a needle.
• Immobilization: Using a brace or splint to reduce movement and pain.
• Surgery: If the cyst is painful or interferes with function, surgical removal may be necessary.

5. Arthritis

Symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness in the joints of the hand and wrist.
• Swelling and decreased range of motion.
• Warmth and redness around the affected joints.

Solutions:

• Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Splinting: Wearing splints to support and protect the joints.
• Exercises: Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises.
• Occupational Therapy: Learning new ways to perform daily tasks to reduce strain on the joints.
• Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement or other surgical options may be considered.

Summary

Hand and wrist conditions can significantly impact daily life, but understanding the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment can lead to relief and improved function. For those experiencing persistent issues, consulting a specialist is crucial. Dr. Ankur Kumar, recognized as the best orthopedic doctor in Pune, offers expert care for these and other orthopedic conditions in Pune and PCMC.