Hand, Wrist and Upper Limb Pain Treatment

If your hand hurts or you experience pain or discomfort in your wrist, forearm, elbow or shoulder, consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent the need for surgery and help improve your quality of life. Our hand and upper extremity surgeons at Desert Care Network specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. They will help explore your treatment options to find the best approach for your specific needs.

Signs and Symptoms of Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions

If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms in your hand, wrist, forearm, elbow or shoulder, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment:

• Persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter medications.
• Swelling with warmth, redness or tenderness.
• Sensations of numbness or tingling, especially in the fingers.
• Weakness or difficulty gripping objects or lifting items.
• Joint stiffness limiting your range of motion.
• Visible deformities such as bent or crooked fingers, misaligned joints or lumps.
• Unexplained bruising or skin color changes.
• Significant injury from a fall or accident.
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks or decreased function.

Early consultation helps to make sure you get the right diagnosis and treatment, whether it's non-surgical therapy or surgery. Explore our providers at Desert Care Network for the care you need to help reduce pain and improve function. Reach out today to start your journey to recovery. If you notice any of the symptoms above, seek medical advice promptly.

What Conditions Do Hand Surgeons Treat?

A hand doctor or surgeon can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Hand and Wrist Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness and weakness in the hand.

Trigger Finger: In this condition, a finger gets stuck in a bent position and may snap straight suddenly. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath.

Dupuytren’s Contracture: This involves the thickening of tissue in the palm, causing fingers to curl inward. It can interfere with hand function over time.

• Ganglion Cysts: These are fluid-filled lumps that develop along joints or tendons, often in the wrist. They can cause pain and limit movement.
• Arthritis: This is inflammation of the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness and swelling. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands.
• Fractures: Broken bones in the hand, wrist or fingers can result from trauma or falls. Proper alignment and healing are crucial for regaining function.
• Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) often result from overuse or sudden movements.

Forearm and Elbow Conditions

• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.
• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): An overuse injury affecting the tendons in the elbow, causing pain in the outer part of the elbow.
• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow): Similar to tennis elbow but affects the inside of the elbow. It is also an overuse injury.
• Elbow Fractures and Dislocations: These injuries involve the bones or joint of the elbow. Proper treatment is necessary to restore movement and function.
• Biceps Tendon Tear: A tear of the tendon attaching the biceps muscle to the elbow, which can cause pain and weakness in the arm.

Shoulder Conditions

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: These involve tears or inflammation in the tendons of the shoulder, leading to pain and difficulty lifting the arm.
• Shoulder Dislocation: This occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. It can cause severe pain and instability.
• Shoulder Arthritis: This condition involves the degeneration of the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries: These are injuries to the network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand. They can result from trauma and affect arm function.

Hand and Wrist Pain Treatment

The following noninvasive treatment may be recommended at first for any upper limb pain:

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to restore movement and strength.
• Hand Therapy: Specialized occupational therapy for hand rehabilitation.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
• Medications: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to manage pain and inflammation.
• Splinting: Use of splints to immobilize and protect the affected area.

Surgery may be the next step if nonsurgical treatment options are not enough to relieve pain. Patients may need to undergo thorough medical examination to determine the appropriate surgical treatment options for them.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparation may vary depending on the type of surgery you're having, but there are some general guidelines to follow. Usually, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery to reduce the risk of complications with anesthesia. Make sure to consult your doctor about your medications, as you may need to stop taking certain drugs, like aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications, a week before surgery.

On the day of your surgery, plan to arrive at the hospital at least two hours before the scheduled time to complete necessary paperwork and get ready for the procedure. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave valuables at home. It’s also important to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

Different Types of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

Hand and upper extremity surgery includes procedures designed to treat injuries, diseases and deformities of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder. These surgeries aim to relieve pain, restore function and improve quality of life. Here are some of the most common types of hand and upper extremity surgeries:

• Carpal Tunnel Release: Aims to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, reducing pressure on the nerve.

• Trigger Finger Release: Aims to treat a finger that gets stuck in a bent position due to a thickened tendon by opening the tunnel where the tendon is trapped, allowing the finger to move freely.
• Dupuytren’s Fasciectomy: Helps treat Dupuytren’s contracture by removing the thickened tissue in the palm, releasing the contracted fingers.
• Tendon Repair: Repair torn or damaged tendons in the hand and wrist by using sutures or grafts.
• Ganglion Cyst Removal: Remove fluid-filled lumps that develop along joints or tendons by excising the cyst to prevent recurrence.
• Joint Replacement: Replace a damaged joint with an artificial one.
• Nerve Repair: Reconnect severed nerves or use grafts to restore function.
• Fracture Fixation: Stabilize and heal broken bones in the hand and wrist by using wires, plates, screws or casts to hold the bones in place during healing.

Forearm and Elbow Surgeries

• Cubital Tunnel Release: Relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which causes cubital tunnel syndrome.
• Distal Biceps Tendon Repair: Repair a torn tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the elbow.
• Elbow Reconstruction: Restore function and stability to a damaged elbow joint by using grafts, artificial implants or other techniques.

Shoulder Surgeries

• Rotator Cuff Repair: Repair torn tendons in the shoulder’s rotator cuff.
• Shoulder Arthroscopy: Diagnose and treat various shoulder problems using a minimally invasive technique involving a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions.
• Shoulder Replacement: Replace a damaged shoulder joint with an artificial one, often due to severe arthritis or injury.

Wrist Surgeries

• Wrist Fusion: Relieve pain and stabilize a severely damaged wrist joint by fusing the wrist bones together.
• Wrist Arthroscopy: Diagnose and treat various wrist problems using a minimally invasive technique.

Recovering From Surgery

Recovery after surgery will vary depending on the type of procedure you had, but there are some general steps you can expect. Your doctor will give you specific post-surgery instructions, so always follow them closely and ask any questions you might have. After surgery, your hand may be immobilized in a bandage or splint and you may have restrictions on certain activities. You may feel pain during this time. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help manage it. Keeping your hand elevated can help reduce swelling and pain.

Rehabilitation might be necessary to regain strength and function. This could include physical therapy and exercises. Always keep your dressings clean and dry. Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness or warmth around the surgical area. If anything feels off or you have concerns, consult your doctor immediately to ensure your recovery is on track.

Count on Us for Hand and Upper Extremity Care

Don't ignore your pain, especially if it's affecting your mobility and quality of life. At Desert Care Network Primary & Specialty Care, our hand and upper extremity surgeons can help. We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder. We have locations in Palm Springs, Hi-Desert, Indio and La Qunita, CA.

Early consultation ensures you get the right diagnosis and treatment, whether it's non-surgical therapy or surgery. Explore our providers at Desert Care Network for the care you need to reduce pain and improve function. Reach out today to start your journey to recovery.