Hand, Wrist or Elbow Problem Pre-Visit Guide

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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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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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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Elbow fractures and dislocations are serious injuries usually caused by trauma or a sports injury, such as falls or direct impact, that can disrupt normal arm movement. Fractures involve broken bones, while dislocations occur when the joint is forced out of alignment, and both can happen together.

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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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