This article will explore the various conditions that could impact your hand, wrist, or elbow. We will also talk about the treatments available to address them. From carpal tunnel syndrome to tennis elbow, we’ll discuss each condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, our team of hand and wrist surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting these areas. From wrist pain to arthritis discomfort, we offer minimally invasive surgical interventions, physical therapy, and other conservative treatments to provide relief and promote healing. Trust our experienced orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists in Zanesville, Ohio, to provide you with the proper treatment tailored to your specific needs.
The hand, wrist, and elbow are intricate structures comprising bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, crucial for performing everyday tasks and engaging in physical activities. Whether it’s typing on a keyboard, gripping a tennis racket, or lifting objects, these parts of the body play integral roles in our daily lives and athletic pursuits. However, they are also susceptible to various injuries and conditions that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
We have put together a list of common conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and elbow. Each point explains the condition, the cause, and the symptoms.
Some common hand conditions include the following:
Arthritis affecting the hand joints refers to various forms of arthritis that can cause inflammation, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the joints of the hand. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are among the types that can affect the hands. The exact cause of arthritis in the hands depends on the type of arthritis but can involve genetic predisposition, joint wear and tear, autoimmune factors, and environmental influences.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where the tissue beneath the skin in the palm becomes thick and tight, causing one or more fingers to bend inward towards the palm. The exact cause is unknown, but factors such as genetics, advancing age, male gender, and certain lifestyle factors may contribute to its development.
Trigger finger and trigger thumb are conditions where one of the fingers or the thumb gets stuck in a bent position and then snaps or pops straight when attempting to straighten it. It occurs when the flexor tendon becomes inflamed or thickened, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly through the tendon sheath in the finger or thumb.
Repetitive gripping motions and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to the development of this condition.
Other soft tissue issues in the hand may include tendon or ligament injuries, which can result from trauma, repetitive strain, or degenerative changes.
Some common wrist conditions include the following:
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It occurs when the tendons and the tendon sheath that encase them become irritated or inflamed, leading to pain and swelling at the base of the thumb. Repetitive thumb motions, such as grasping or twisting, are common causes of this condition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression leads to numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and wrist. It’s often caused by repetitive motions, such as typing or using vibrating tools, as well as factors like wrist anatomy, underlying health conditions, or pregnancy.
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that most commonly develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. The exact cause is unknown, but they are more common in younger people between the ages of 15 and 40, and women are more likely to be affected than men.
Some common conditions affecting the elbow include the following:
Tennis Elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm near the elbow joint. Despite its name, it can occur in anyone who performs repetitive gripping activities, not just tennis players.
The repetitive stress leads to small tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus bone, resulting in pain, tenderness, and weakness in the forearm and elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow (also known as medial epicondylitis) is a similar condition to tennis elbow but affects the inner side of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus become inflamed or damaged due to repetitive wrist flexion or gripping activities.
Golfer’s elbow can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in the forearm and elbow, particularly with activities that involve gripping or lifting.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the cubital tunnel, a passageway on the inside of the elbow. This compression can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers, particularly the ring and little fingers.
Prolonged or repetitive bending of the elbow, direct pressure on the nerve, or anatomical variations in the elbow can contribute to the development of this condition.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome develops when the radial nerve, one of the three nerves in your forearm, becomes compressed or pinched as it passes through the radial tunnel. Common symptoms include pain and tenderness along the outer side of the elbow, which may radiate into the forearm. Typically, individuals experience a persistent, dull ache that can cause fatigue and discomfort.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) injuries or tears occur when the ligament on the inner side of the elbow becomes stretched, torn, or otherwise damaged. These injuries are common among athletes who participate in throwing sports, such as baseball or javelin throwing, due to the repetitive stress placed on the ligament during the throwing motion.
Overuse, improper mechanics, or acute trauma can contribute to UCL injuries, leading to symptoms such as pain, instability, and decreased throwing performance.
Biceps tendon injuries at the elbow usually occur as a result of lifting a heavy load. These injuries can range from partial or complete tears of the tendon. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, weakness, and a bulge in the bicep or gap in the arm where the tendon is injured.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we provide the following hand, wrist, and elbow treatments:
The hand treatments we provide include the following:
We provide the following wrist treatments:
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we provide the following elbow treatments:
If you’re experiencing hand, wrist, or elbow pain, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Schedule an appointment with our expert orthopedic surgeons in Zanesville, OH, today to find relief and regain functionality.
Whether it’s through minimally invasive surgery, physical therapy, or other interventions, we’re here to help you get back to doing what you love pain-free. Contact us at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville to start your journey toward recovery!
Medically reviewed by Jordan R. Bonier, DO, MS
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