Hand and Wrist

The hand and wrist are made of many bones, tendons, and ligaments to facilitate many movements in different directions while allowing strength and dexterity for fine motor control. The wrist begins at the end of the radius and ulna (bones of the forearm) where they meet the carpus. The carpus consists of 8 small bones that allow full range of motion in multiple directions. The bones of the hand consist of the metacarpals and the phalanges (the bones that make up the fingers). Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that connect these bones and keep them in place, and tendons allow movement of the wrist, hand, and fingers. There are also very many nerves that innervate the wrist and hand. One of the most infamous nerve conditions at the wrist is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and/or pain of the hand, thumb, pointer finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. Weakness and decreased grip can also be seen in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Pain in the hand or wrist may be due to a variety of reasons including pain coming from the joints, tendons, ligaments, and/or nerves. Pain may also be referred from the arm, elbow, shoulder, or neck.  Our office can perform evaluations to determine the cause of discomfort and provide the appropriate treatment.

Here is a list of possible treatment options:

This list is not all-inclusive.