Did you know that hand and wrist injuries account for nearly 20% of all emergency room visits related to musculoskeletal conditions? These injuries can affect anyone, from active individuals to those performing daily tasks, and they can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we understand how essential healthy hand and wrist function is. Conveniently located in Schaumburg and the surrounding Chicago suburbs, we specialize in providing expert orthopedic care tailored to address a wide range of hand and wrist conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, fracture, or chronic pain, our team of highly skilled hand and wrist specialists – including Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Yaffe – is here to help you regain strength, function, and mobility. Schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step towards relief and recovery.
Keep reading to learn more about the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hand and wrist injuries.
Common Hand and Wrist Injuries
Your hands and wrists are complex structures made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Injuries to any of these components can lead to pain, stiffness, or loss of function.
Here are some of the most common hand and wrist injuries:
Sprains and Strains
These injuries are common and can range from mild to more severe injuries, depending on how much damage has been done to the ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains). Sprains typically happen when a ligament is stretched or torn, while strains involve tears or overstretching of muscles or tendons.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Swelling or tenderness around the affected area.
- Bruising that may appear within hours of the injury.
- Difficulty moving the wrist or hand without discomfort.
Sprains and strains can result from a repetitive motion, sudden fall, catching yourself on an outstretched hand, or repetitive overuse from activities like gardening or sports. Early diagnosis and physical examination are key to managing these injuries effectively.
Fractures
A fracture, or broken bone, in the hand or wrist is not only painful but can also require significant attention to heal properly. This type of injury often affects areas like the wrist’s radius or small bones within the hand.
When identifying a fracture, pay attention to these signs:
- Persistent, sharp pain, especially when trying to move the hand.
- Noticeable swelling and possible deformity.
- A grinding or popping sensation when attempting to move the affected area.
Fractures are usually caused by high-impact events, such as a fall, a sports accident, or direct trauma to the hand. Getting the right treatment early is essential to avoid complications or loss of function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Unlike fractures or sprains, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops over time. It occurs when the median nerve running through the wrist becomes compressed, often due to repetitive stress or awkward positioning.
This condition reveals itself with:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
- Weakness in the hand, making it tough to grip objects or hold items securely.
- A sensation that symptoms worsen with prolonged activity, like typing or holding a tool.
Whether you're an office worker, a craftsman, or someone who repeats the same wrist movement regularly, this condition can creep up on you. Adjusting ergonomics and seeking early intervention can make a big difference.
Wrist Ligament Injuries
The ligaments in your wrist are like the supportive ropes that stabilize this complex joint, but they can be easily injured through trauma or strain.
Signs of a ligament injury often include:
- Swelling or tenderness, particularly within the wrist joint.
- A sensation of the wrist being unstable or “wobbly.”
- Reduced grip strength, making it tough to lift everyday objects.
These injuries are common in people who’ve had a tough fall onto an outstretched hand or those participating in activities that overuse the wrists, such as tennis or weightlifting. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can range from rest and therapy to more advanced surgical options.
Trigger Finger and Tendon Injuries
Trigger Finger is a frustrating and often painful condition caused by inflamed or irritated tendons in the fingers. Tendons allow the smooth movement of your fingers, but when complications occur, they can catch or lock instead.
What you might experience if you have Trigger Finger or a tendon-related issue:
- Pain or stiffness at the base of your finger or thumb.
- A snapping or clicking sensation when moving your finger.
- Swelling that can make gripping objects difficult.
Repetitive gripping or sudden trauma to the hand often sparks these injuries. Without proper treatment, they may grow more problematic over time, limiting mobility further.
Treatment Options for Hand and Wrist Injuries
At Barrington, we understand how crucial your hands and wrists are to your daily life. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of treatments, custom-tailored to your needs, to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible outcomes.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For many hand and wrist injuries, non-surgical methods are effective in relieving symptoms and promoting healing. These treatments focus on supporting your body’s natural recovery process while minimizing discomfort.
- Immobilization: Splints or casts are used to stabilize the injured area, allowing your hand or wrist to heal properly.
- Physical Therapy: Guided exercises help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, reducing stiffness and restoring function.
- Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often recommended to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: For conditions like tendonitis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, injections can provide targeted pain relief and reduced swelling.
By addressing the injury with these less invasive methods, many patients experience significant improvement without the need for surgery.
Surgical Treatments
When injuries are severe or non-surgical options aren’t sufficient, our team of orthopedic specialists is here to provide advanced surgical solutions. Each procedure is designed to restore function and mobility while minimizing recovery time.
- Carpal Tunnel Release: A minimally invasive procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve, alleviating symptoms like numbness and weakness in the hand.
- Hand &Wrist Fracture Fixation: Pins, screws, or plates are carefully used to stabilize broken bones, ensuring they heal correctly and regain their strength.
- Tendon Repair/Release: To address issues like Trigger Finger, our surgeons can perform a tendon repair or release, freeing up movement and reducing discomfort.
- Ligament Repair: In more severe cases of ligament damage, reconstruction or repair may be necessary to restore stability and function to the wrist.
With decades of experience and state-of-the-art technology, we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible care for your hand and wrist injuries. Don't let pain or discomfort limit your daily
Our approach prioritizes minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, promoting quicker recovery times and helping you get back to the activities you love.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Strategies
Recovery from a hand or wrist injury involves more than just treatment—it requires a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
1. Rest and Gradual Activity
Adequate rest is the foundation of recovery. Following your doctor’s advice on immobilization and activity restrictions is crucial to protect the injured area as it heals. Once you’re ready, a gradual return to normal activities is encouraged to rebuild strength while minimizing the risk of re-injury.
2. Hand Therapy
Therapeutic exercises are essential in restoring hand and wrist function. With hand therapy, patients work on reducing stiffness, improving flexibility, and strengthening their muscles. Additionally, fine motor skills can be retrained to help you regain the dexterity needed for everyday tasks.
3. Assistive Devices
Sometimes extra support is needed during recovery. Ergonomic tools, splints, or braces are commonly used to stabilize the injured area and prevent excessive strain. These devices are tailored to your specific needs, offering both protection and comfort.
4. Regular Follow-Ups
Ongoing follow-up appointments play a key role in your recovery. These visits allow your care team to track your progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, ensuring you stay on the right path to full recovery.
With the right care and dedication, you can regain full function and return to the activities you love.
When to Seek Orthopedic Care
It’s not always easy to know when to see a specialist, but certain signs indicate it’s time to seek professional help:
- Persistent or worsening pain.
- Swelling or deformity after an injury.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or wrist.
- Difficulty performing daily tasks due to limited mobility.
- Lack of improvement with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments.
At Barrington, we’re here to provide expert care and guide you through every step of your recovery.
Say Goodbye to Hand & Wrist Pain with Barrington
Your hands and wrists are essential for nearly every aspect of your daily life. Don’t let pain or dysfunction hold you back. At Barrington, Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Yaffe offer personalized care, advanced treatments, and compassionate support to help you regain your strength and mobility.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bernstein or Dr. Yaffe today and take the first step toward relief and recovery. Our team is here to help you get back to doing what you love—pain-free.
