Hand and Wrist Care

If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms in your hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, or shoulder, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment:

• Persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
• Swelling with warmth, redness, or tenderness
• Sensations of numbness or tingling, especially in the fingers
• Weakness or difficulty gripping objects or lifting items
• Joint stiffness limiting your range of motion
• Visible deformities such as bent or crooked fingers, misaligned joints, or lumps
• Unexplained bruising or skin color changes
• Significant injury from a fall or accident
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks or decreased function

Early consultation helps ensure you receive the best possible treatment, whether non-surgical therapy or surgery. Explore our providers at Desert Care Network for the care you need to reduce pain and improve function. Reach out today to start your journey to recovery. If you notice any of the symptoms above, seek medical advice promptly.

A hand doctor or surgeon can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Hand and Wrist Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.

Trigger Finger: In this condition, a finger gets stuck in a bent position and may snap straight suddenly. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath. 

Dupuytren’s Contracture: This involves the thickening of tissue in the palm, causing fingers to curl inward. It can interfere with hand function over time. 

Hand and Wrist Conditions

• Ganglion Cysts: Fluid-filled lumps that develop along joints or tendons, often in the wrist. They can cause pain and limit movement. Symptoms may include:
  • Swelling that may appear gradually or suddenly; it may shrink or disappear and return later
  • Aching pain worsened by joint motion when the cyst is connected to a tendon
  • Weakness in the affected finger
• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands.
• Fractures: Broken bones in the hand, wrist, or fingers caused by trauma or falls. Proper alignment and healing are crucial.
  • Open fracture: Bone protrudes through the skin or is exposed via a deep wound
  • Closed fracture: Bone is broken but skin remains intact
• Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains), often from overuse or sudden movements.

Forearm and Elbow Conditions

• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.
• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): Overuse injury affecting tendons in the elbow, causing pain on the outer side.
• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow): Overuse injury affecting the inner elbow.
• Elbow Fractures and Dislocations: Injuries to elbow bones or joints that require proper treatment to restore function.
• Biceps Tendon Tear: Tear of the tendon attaching the biceps muscle to the elbow, causing pain and weakness.

Shoulder Conditions

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tears or inflammation in the shoulder tendons, causing pain and difficulty lifting the arm.
• Shoulder Dislocation: Upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, causing pain and instability.
• Shoulder Arthritis: Degeneration of the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries: Injuries to the network of nerves sending signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand, which can impair arm function.

The following nonsurgical treatments may be recommended for upper limb pain:

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore movement and strength.
• Hand Therapy: Specialized occupational therapy for hand rehabilitation.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
• Medications: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to manage pain and inflammation.
• Splinting: Use of splints to immobilize and protect the affected area.

Is wrist pain keeping you from activities like rock climbing at Joshua Tree National Park? The wrist pain specialists at Desert Care Network can help. Your doctor will advise whether surgery, such as wrist arthroplasty, is necessary based on damage, symptoms, and response to prior treatment.

Surgery may be considered if nonsurgical options are insufficient. Patients may undergo a thorough medical examination to determine the most appropriate surgical treatment.

Recovery will vary depending on the procedure, but some general steps include:

• Follow all post-surgery instructions given by your doctor.
• Hand may be immobilized in a bandage or splint with activity restrictions.
• Medications will be prescribed to manage pain.
• Keep the hand elevated to reduce swelling and pain.
• Rehabilitation through physical therapy and exercises may be necessary to regain strength and function.
• Keep dressings clean and dry.
• Contact your doctor if you notice signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or warmth.

Always consult your doctor immediately if anything feels off during your recovery to ensure proper healing.

Don't ignore your pain, especially if it's affecting your mobility and quality of life. At Desert Care Network, our hand and upper extremity surgeons are ready to help provide personalized care and treatment options tailored to your needs.