Wrist pain can be a debilitating condition that can impact your daily life. It can make even simple tasks difficult, and possibily lead to further issues if left untreated. The good news is that relief is available, and seeking help from a hand and wrist surgeon can be the first step in regaining optimal health. A wrist surgeon is a medical professional who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the hand and wrist.
In this article, we'll explore the different types of wrist conditions that these surgeons can assist you with, and the treatment options available.
Wrist Conditions An Orthopaedic Hand Specialist Can Help With
The wrist is a complex joint that is made up of several bones, ligaments and tendons. It is designed to provide stability and support to the hand, while also allowing for a wide range of movement. However, this complexity can also make it vulnerable to a host of injuries and conditions. Some common conditions that a wrist surgeon can assist you with include:
- Wrist sprains and strains: These injuries occur when the ligaments and tendons in the wrist are stretched or torn, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition where the median nerve that runs through the wrist is compressed, leading to pain, numbness and tingling in the hand.
- Arthritis: This is a chronic condition that affects the joints, including the wrist. It can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the wrist, making it difficult to move.
- Ganglion cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the wrist joint or surrounding tissue. They can cause pain and discomfort and may need to be drained or removed surgically.
- Fractures: Wrist fractures are common and can occur due to a fall or other traumatic injury. They can cause acute pain, swelling and difficulty moving the wrist, and when they don’t heal correctly can cause long term problems.
Rehabilitation And Recovery After Wrist Surgery
Surgery can be an effective treatment option for a variety of conditions that affect the wrist, such as fractures, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the recovery process after wrist surgery can be involved and requires a commitment to rehabilitation in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
Rehabilitation after surgery typically involves a combination of physical therapy exercises, splinting and strengthening exercises, as well as follow-up visits with the therapist and surgeon. The goal of rehabilitation is to help restore range of motion, reduce pain and swelling, and improve strength and function in the wrist.
During the early stages of rehabilitation, patients may need to wear a cast or splint to protect the wrist and keep it immobilised while it heals. As the healing process progresses, the doctor may recommend gentle exercises to help restore flexibility and strength in the wrist.
Over time, more intensive exercises can be introduced to help build strength and improve the range of motion in the wrist. Patients may also be advised to perform certain exercises at home in between physical therapy sessions to help speed up the healing process.
It is important for patients to follow their orthopaedic hand specialist's instructions carefully and to attend all scheduled physical therapy appointments in order to ensure the best possible outcome after surgery. With proper rehabilitation and care, most patients are able to regain normal wrist function and return to their normal activities after surgery.
Preventing Future Wrist Injuries and Conditions
Preventing future injuries is important for maintaining good wrist health and avoiding the need for more surgeries or treatments. Here are some tips for avoiding further problems:
- Practise good ergonomics: Ensure that your work area is properly set up and ergonomic, with your wrists in a neutral position. This can help reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Take breaks: If you spend a lot of time typing or performing other repetitive tasks, take frequent breaks to stretch and move your wrists.
- Wear wrist guards: If you participate in sports that involve high-impact or repetitive motions, consider wearing guards to help protect your wrists.
- Strengthen your wrists: Performing exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your wrists can help prevent future injuries.
- Avoid repetitive motions: Try to vary your activities and avoid performing the same motions over and over again.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra strain on your wrists and increase your risk of developing conditions such as arthritis.
- Wear supportive gear: If you engage in work that puts stress on your wrists, such as lifting heavy objects, consider wearing supportive gear such as wrist wraps.
By taking these steps to prevent future injuries and conditions, you can maintain good wrist health and help avoid the need for future treatments or surgeries. If you do experience wrist pain or discomfort, it is important to seek professional help from an orthopaedic hand specialist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
