Hand & Wrist Pain and Injury

A hand fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the hand break, often due to falls, crush injuries, or direct impact. These fractures can vary in severity, from stable breaks to more complex or displaced injuries, and may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and finger misalignment.

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A broken wrist is a common injury, often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand, that results in pain, swelling, and limited movement. Fractures can range from minor cracks to more complex breaks involving joint surfaces or bone displacement.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. It often develops from repetitive use, injury, or underlying health conditions and may worsen over time.

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects the arms, legs, hands, and feet. It can cause:

• intense burning pain (worse than expected for injury)
• sensitivity to touch
• abnormal sweating
• muscle and joint stiffness and weakness
• hypersensitivity to touch or cold temperatures
• inflammation

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may last several months or years if left untreated.

Treatment for CRPS is typically aimed at reducing pain and improving quality of life. This may involve taking medications to manage pain, undergoing physical therapy or occupational therapy to improve range of motion and strength, and engaging in relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. In some cases, nerve blocks may be used to reduce burning sensations caused by the condition. Surgery may also be recommended for more severe cases.

It is important to treat CRPS as soon as possible to reduce the risk of further complications. Those who think they may be experiencing symptoms should speak with their healthcare team about an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, it is possible to reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.

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Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the inside of the elbow, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand—especially in the ring and little fingers. It is often caused by repetitive elbow bending, prolonged pressure on the elbow, or prior injuries.

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De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition where the tendons at the base of the thumb become irritated or constricted, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the thumb and wrist. It is often linked to repetitive movements, hormonal changes, or activities like lifting, and is common in new mothers.

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Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition in which the fascia in the hand thickens and tightens, forming cords that pull the fingers toward the palm and limit the ability to fully straighten them. It typically develops gradually, often affecting the ring and little fingers, and is influenced by factors like genetics, age, and certain health or lifestyle risks. Early signs include small nodules in the palm that may progress into cords, leading to functional challenges such as difficulty gripping objects or laying the hand flat.

While there is no cure, both non-surgical treatments (like needle procedures, injections, and therapy) and surgical options can improve finger movement and hand function. Treatment is usually recommended when contractures begin to interfere with daily activities, and recovery often includes hand therapy to maintain results. Although the condition is not life-threatening, it can significantly affect quality of life over time. With proper, individualized care, most patients can improve hand function and maintain independence in daily tasks.

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Finger numbness or tingling is a common symptom caused by irritation or compression of nerves, and it can range from mild discomfort to a sign of more serious conditions. Common causes include nerve compression disorders like carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome, issues in the neck affecting nerves, and systemic conditions such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.

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A broken finger or thumb is a common injury caused by trauma such as crushing, impact, or accidents, and can significantly affect hand function. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the finger.

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Flexor tendons are essential for bending the fingers and thumb, enabling grip and hand function. Injuries to these tendons—often caused by deep cuts, trauma, or repetitive strain—can lead to pain, loss of motion, and inability to bend the affected finger.

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Ganglion cysts are common, noncancerous lumps that form near joints or tendons in the hand or wrist. They are filled with a gel-like fluid and may change in size, sometimes causing pain, tingling, or limited movement, though many are painless and harmless.

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Hand and finger arthritis occurs when joint cartilage wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced function. It commonly develops with age, repeated use, past injuries, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and can make everyday tasks like gripping or opening objects difficult.

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Mallet finger is a fingertip injury where the tendon that straightens the end joint is damaged, usually from a forceful impact. This causes the fingertip to droop and prevents it from straightening on its own.

It can result from a torn tendon or a small bone fracture at the tendon’s attachment. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and a bent fingertip. Most cases are treated with continuous splinting for several weeks, though severe injuries may require surgery. With proper treatment, most people regain good function, though slight drooping may remain.

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Nail bed and fingertip injuries are common and can significantly affect hand function, even when they seem minor. These injuries may involve the skin, nail, bone, tendons, or nerves and are often caused by crushing, cuts, sports injuries, or fractures.

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Radial tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the radial nerve in the forearm, leading to pain, tenderness, and sometimes weakness in the arm and wrist. It is often linked to repetitive motions, heavy use, or trauma and most often affects adults between ages 30–50.

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rigger finger is a common condition where a finger or thumb becomes painful, stiff, and may catch or lock when bent due to inflammation or thickening of the flexor tendon. This prevents the tendon from moving smoothly through its surrounding pulley system, most often affecting the ring finger or thumb.

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Wrist arthritis occurs when cartilage in the wrist joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced motion. It can result from normal aging (osteoarthritis), autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or past injuries that disrupt joint alignment.

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