A hand and wrist specialist will have specialized training to treat and diagnose conditions caused by repetitive wrist movements or from bracing yourself when falling unexpectedly.
If you think you have a wrist condition and are looking for a highly trained wrist doctor in Atlanta and Marietta, GA, call Georgia Hand, Shoulder, and Elbow to book an appointment.
Common Wrist Conditions & Treatments
Many common conditions affect the wrist and the tendons, muscles, and ligaments that attach to it.
These conditions include:
These conditions will have similar but particular symptoms that indicate the need for a specialist. The symptoms can be very uncomfortable and affect your daily life.
These symptoms include:
- Difficulty straightening wrist
- Difficulty or pain when twisting the wrist
- Inability to open, carry, or twist objects
- Swelling or tenderness
- Tingling in wrist, forearm, or fingers
- Pain when performing daily tasks
An orthopedic specialist can treat these conditions through a wrist surgery, therapy, medication, wrist tendonitis surgery, or some combination of the three. If you would like additional information to see if our services are right for you, read through the specifics of each condition listed below.
Wrist Fracture
There are several types of wrist fractures. The most common is the distal radial fracture which occurs where the longer radius meets the bones of the wrist.
A scaphoid fracture is another common wrist fracture and arises where the thumb and the wrist meet. Scaphoid and distal radial fractures are usually caused by bracing when falling.
While a scaphoid fracture can be harder to identify, the ability of either fracture to heal properly can be affected by circulation to the area or the type of break occurring. Therefore, it is vital to get treatment as quickly as possible.
If you have swelling, tenderness, inability to grasp, or difficulty performing daily tasks, get to a wrist specialist to get the right treatment for your injury. Both fractures can sometimes be resolved with a cast when treated early. In other cases, having a wrist fracture surgery, such as a wrist arthroscopy, can be the best treatment.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve located in the wrist. Symptoms include tingling and numbness of the hand, wrist, or forearm. It could be caused by repetitive motions and even using your computer mouse on a daily basis.
When the symptoms get to the point that they are affecting daily tasks, it might be time to call a doctor. The treatment can be minimal, and sometimes just stopping certain activities that aggravate the condition is needed to alleviate the pain.
However, there are times when carpal tunnel surgery is the best option. Carpal tunnel can be relieved with release surgery, which is minimally invasive and highly effective.
If your wrist pain isn’t going away on its own, then we invite you to contact us to find the best treatment for you. Surgery is always the last option for us, so we will always try to find a solution that doesn’t involve surgery.
Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst occurs when a small fluid-filled sac develops over a joint or a tendon. The fluid in the cyst is somewhat dense and usually forms on the back of the hand at the wrist, though it can occur elsewhere.
An orthopedist can treat this by aspiration or complete removal. Future help my be needed if the ganglion cyst has ruptured.
Hand & Wrist Sports Injuries
Hand and wrist injuries are some of the most common injuries athletes have. These injuries can be caused by numerous events and include ligament strains, tendonitis, and overuse injuries.
These should be treated early to prevent prolonged recovery and to ensure proper functioning. Treatments include physical therapy, counseling, and braces or casting.
Vascular
Vascular conditions occur when there is an interruption in the blood flow to nerves or tissues in your hand. The symptoms, often called ischemia, include heavy feeling in the affected area, numbness, tingling, or pain.
If you suspect you have a vascular condition that is not diagnosed, or if you are already diagnosed and need further guidance, then contact us to see how we can help find a treatment plan for you. Most cases can be treated with lifestyle changes, diet, or medication, although some may need surgery.
Ligament Injuries
This type of injury commonly involves a wrist sprain or a torn ligament or tendon in the wrist. If you decide to see a wrist doctor, you should go closer to the time of the wrist injury to prevent worsening or re-injury.
Symptoms include tenderness, soreness, aching pain, and acute pain at the time of injury. Early treatment will prevent worsening pain or slow healing.
When Should You See a Wrist Specialist?
You may want to consider visiting a wrist specialist if you’re experiencing any symptoms like chronic wrist pain, radial wrist pain, discomfort, or trouble performing daily tasks.
Bruising, swelling, tenderness, and tingling in your hand or wrist are good reasons to see your medical provider in order to ensure everything is how it should be. It’s better to prevent more problems now than to fix them later.
If you have wrist pain or experience wrist pain while playing tennis, contact one of our specialty-trained wrist surgeons at Georgia Hand, Shoulder, and Elbow at one of our locations to book an appointment today!
