6 conditions a hand and wrist specialist near you can diagnose and treat

Think about how much you rely on your hands and wrists every single day. From pouring coffee to typing an email or simply holding the hand of a loved one, these intricate parts of your body are constantly working. When you start feeling pain, numbness or stiffness, it doesn’t just hurt; it affects almost every single task you try to complete. 

It can be tempting to dismiss persistent hand or wrist pain as just getting older or due to a bit of overuse. However, if you’re struggling to grip things, experiencing tingling or feeling a sharp pain that won’t go away, it’s a sign that you may need specialized care. The wrist and hand are incredibly complex, made up of 27 bones, plus countless tendons, nerves and ligaments. A general practitioner may not have the focused expertise needed to pinpoint the exact problem. 

That’s where a hand and wrist specialist comes in. This expert, often a certified hand therapist or an orthopedic specialist focused on the upper extremity, has the deep knowledge required to accurately diagnose and treat the source of your pain. They focus on restoring function and getting you back to living your life more comfortably.

Common conditions that can affect the hand and wrist

If you’re struggling with chronic hand or wrist issues, here are six conditions a specialist near you can diagnose and treat effectively:

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome 

This is one of the most well-known conditions affecting the hands, and it can be incredibly frustrating. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve gets pinched as it passes through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This nerve controls movement and feeling in parts of the hand, including the thumb and the first few fingers. It may happen due to repetitive hand motions.

You may feel numbness or weakness, especially after repetitive tasks like typing or gripping tools. Some people even wake up at night with their hands “asleep.”

2. Tendinitis (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis)

Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. In the hand and wrist, this condition often develops from overuse, repetitive motion or sudden strain. 

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a specific form of tendon irritation that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist due to repeated punching and gripping, causing the sheath surrounding the tendons to become inflamed.

You may have pain and tenderness at the base of your thumb and along the thumb side of your wrist, especially when you try to grasp something or move your wrist from side to side. 

3. Trigger finger

Trigger finger happens when one of the tendons in the finger or thumb becomes swollen and gets stuck inside its tunnel. This causes your finger or thumb to become “locked” or “stuck” in a bent position. When you try to straighten it, it may suddenly snap or pop. There is often a painful bump at the base of the affected finger or thumb. 

4. Arthritis 

Arthritis can affect the small joints in the hands and wrists, causing stiffness, swelling and chronic pain. The most common types are osteoarthritis, which develops from wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition. 

Symptoms can include stiffness in the morning, difficulty gripping objects and a dull ache that worsens with movement. 

While arthritis can’t be reversed, physical therapy can help maintain flexibility, reduce discomfort and improve joint function. Joint protection techniques and customized exercises can help make daily tasks easier and less painful.

5. Post-fracture or postsurgical rehab

Even small wrist or hand fractures can cause lasting stiffness or weakness if not treated properly. After a break heals, you may notice tightness, pain or reduced grip strength. 

6. Wrist sprains and strains

A wrist sprain happens when the ligaments, tough bands that connect bones, are stretched or torn, usually from a fall or sudden twist. A strain, on the other hand, affects the muscles or tendons. 

Both conditions can cause pain, swelling and limited range of motion. Even mild sprains or strains can weaken your wrist if not treated properly.

How a hand and wrist specialist near you can help

A hand and wrist specialist uses their comprehensive approach. Their goal is to help restore maximum function so you can live fully and independently. They can help provide you with the following:

• Accurate diagnosis

A specialist can perform specialized tests, beyond just X-rays, to assess nerve function, ligament stability and tendon health. This precise diagnosis is the key to creating a truly effective treatment plan. 

• Nonsurgical treatments

Treatment often begins with conservative methods. For conditions like carpal tunnel or De Quervain’s, they use custom splinting, which is tailored to fit your hand perfectly and immobilize only the necessary structures. 

• Targeted physical therapy

For conditions like postsurgical stiffness or chronic tendinitis, the specialist can utilize effective physical therapy treatments. This can include specific manual therapy techniques to mobilize stiff joints and specialized exercises to help strengthen muscles safely and progressively. 

• Education and prevention techniques

For overuse injuries and arthritis, the specialist provides a personalized approach by reviewing your work and home environments. They advise on ergonomic changes, teach joint protection techniques and instruct on customized stretches that can help prevent the problem from returning. This is an essential part of long-term healing and confidence building. 

• Scar and swelling management

After an injury or surgery, managing swelling and scar tissue is crucial for regaining full movement. Specialists use specific techniques and tools to help keep scar tissue soft and reduce the risk of it restricting movement. 

Performance Rehab can help you take back control of your hand and wrist health

Living with hand or wrist pain can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming, but the right care can make a big difference. A hand and wrist specialist can identify the cause of your pain, create a personalized treatment plan and help you move with more comfort. 

At Performance Rehab, our dedicated team of professionals can create a personalized treatment plan using effective physical therapy techniques designed to help restore function, relieve pain and get you back to doing what you love. No matter your goals, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Early intervention is key to lasting recovery. Contact us today to explore your options or request an appointment and start your path toward reduced pain and improved physical performance.