Hand, wrist and elbow pain
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Has pain limited your ability to enjoy activities? Meet one-on-one with an Asante orthopedic specialist to assess your bone, joint and muscle health — the first step toward returning to an active lifestyle.
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Hand, wrist and elbow pain involves the nerves, joints, muscles and tendons that make up the hand and arm. The pain is often caused by an injury, but can also be brought on by strain, overuse, age and certain diseases. Depending on your symptoms, one of our trained providers will determine what the most likely cause and treatment is for your case, and will create a personalized plan based on your unique needs and lifestyle.
Conditions we treat
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling and weakness in your hand and fingers.
The most common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is wearing a splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling. Other treatments may include corticosteroid injections and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on the median nerve.
Dupuytren’s contracture
Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that causes the fingers to bend towards the palm and can make it difficult to straighten them. It is caused by thickened tissue that develops under the skin of the palm and fingers. Risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture include being male, having a family history of the condition and being over the age of 50.
Treatment options for Dupuytren's contracture may include non-surgical options such as enzyme injections and physical therapy, or surgical options such as needle aponeurotomy, fasciectomy or dermofasciectomy. The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and your preference.
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the outer side of the elbow. It is caused by overuse of the muscles in the forearm that attach to the elbow, leading to inflammation or small tears in the tendons. Tennis elbow is common in people who play racquet sports, but it can also occur in people who engage in activities that involve repetitive gripping or lifting.
Treatment for tennis elbow usually begins with conservative measures such as rest, ice and physical therapy. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication may also be used to reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, a brace or splint may be recommended to help stabilize your elbow. If these measures do not provide relief, your provider may recommend a corticosteroid injection or surgery.
Golfer’s elbow
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. Though similar to tennis elbow in its location, golfer’s elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers. Golfer's elbow is common in people who play golf, but it can also occur in people who engage in activities that involve repetitive gripping or wrist flexion.
The treatment for golfer’s elbow is similar to the treatment for tennis elbow, and may include rest, ice, physical therapy and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. A brace or splint may also be recommended to help stabilize your elbow. In severe cases, a corticosteroid injection or surgery may be necessary. It is important to address golfer's elbow early to prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Ulnar nerve entrapment
Ulnar nerve entrapment is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs from the shoulder to the hand, becomes compressed or irritated. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. Ulnar nerve entrapment can occur at the elbow, wrist or hand, and it is often caused by repetitive strain injuries or direct trauma to the nerve.
Treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment may include non-surgical options such as splinting, physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on your ulnar nerve or to repair any damaged tissue. It is important to address ulnar nerve entrapment early to prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the wrist and thumb. It is caused by inflammation of the tendons that move the thumb, and it is often the result of overuse injuries or repetitive strain. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is common in people who engage in activities that involve grasping or gripping, such as knitting or using a computer mouse.
Treatment for De Quervain's tenosynovitis may include rest, ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain. A splint or brace may also be recommended to help stabilize your wrist and thumb. In severe cases, a corticosteroid injection or surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on your tendons. Physical therapy may also be helpful in improving flexibility and strength in the wrist and thumb.
Treatment options
Achieving the best possible outcome takes work on both our part and yours. We promise to hold up our end of the bargain by providing the best surgical, therapy and other rehabilitation services possible when you’re in our care. We'll be there to support you as you do your part by fully participating in an ongoing rehabilitation program.
If you are experiencing certain types of persistent hand, wrist or elbow pain, your doctor may recommend an injection to provide relief from inflammation and pain.
In severe cases, your injury may require surgery. If so, one of our fellowship-trained hand surgeons will work with you to determine the best surgery and rehabilitation plan based on your specific goals and lifestyle.
