Hand, wrist, or finger pain can be troublesome and inhibitive. It is important not to ignore symptoms that persist or recur. Doing so could allow a treatable condition to worsen and require more comprehensive care to correct the problem. At Orthopedic Associates of Long Island, we recognize the uniqueness of every situation. Patients often wonder if they will need surgery for their hand pain. This is a question we can best answer after a thorough consultation and examination. Here, we discuss the various conditions that are associated with hand pain and the likelihood that any one could require surgery.
Trigger Finger
The official name for trigger finger is tenosynovitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation in the tissues of a finger and or the thumb of one hand. The hand’s tendons move easily thanks to a membrane called synovium. The synovium can become inflamed, resulting in pain and difficulty moving the affected tendons and the digits they control. Specifically, it can become difficult to straighten the fingers and/or thumb in which inflammation is present. Minor trigger finger may respond well to nonsurgical treatments. In cases of severe mobility impairment, surgery may be necessary.
Tendonitis
Similar to trigger finger, tendonitis involves inflammation in certain tendons. The hand and wrist are two of the most common areas in which tendonitis occurs. In more progressed cases, it becomes difficult to move the wrist due to the hardening of the tendon sheath. Still, surgery is typically limited to the most severe cases. Instead, a doctor may prescribe physical therapy and lifestyle changes to reduce repetitive stress on the wrists and hands.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This may be one of the most recognized of all hand tendon conditions. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the hand and wrist frequently perform repetitive motions. These motions strain the tendon and result in inflammation and compression o the median nerve that travels through the carpal tunnel of the wrist into the hand. Conservative treatments including anti-inflammatory medication and altering posture and activities can help symptoms resolve in some cases. If remedial therapies do not improve symptoms, surgery may be needed to release the compressed nerve.
Orthopedic Associates of Long Island offers professional treatment for a variety of hand and wrist conditions. For friendly care that counts, contact us and schedule a visit to one of our seven locations.
