Hand & Wrist Pain
If you’re suffering from finger pain, hand pain, wrist pain, or any upper extremity injuries, learn how Dr. AJ Julka and JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!
What Our Patients Say
“We have had a terrific experience during my husbands recent hand surgery. The convenience of having an office for pre and post op visits was wonderful. My husbands surgery was very successful despite having the deformity for 20 plus years. We would very highly recommend.” — Connie K.
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Dupuytren Contracture Release Before and After Surgery
Tendon Transfer Surgery Post Operative Recovery for Claw Hand
Severe Revision Dupuytren's Contracture Release Results Post Op
Rheumatoid Hand Deformity Before and After Surgery
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Surgery 2 week Post Operative Results
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Deformity Pre Operative Assessment
AJ Julka MD Hand, Wrist and Elbow Surgeon
Hand Injury or Wrist Injury in Columbus & New Albany, OH
The hand and wrist are made up of many bones, muscles, and tendons. We use them all day long while performing many different actions. However, when we experience pain in our hands or wrists, some daily tasks can become quite challenging to accomplish.
If you are experiencing pain in your hand or wrist, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our specialists look forward to answering any questions you may have.
What Are Some Common Hand and Wrist Conditions?
As the hand and wrist have many components, there are many conditions that can develop. Some of the common hand and wrist conditions are listed below.
- Arthritis — Arthritis is when there is a loss of cartilage between the bones. There are three common types of hand and wrist arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. Hand and wrist arthritis can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve through the passageway of bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. Symptoms can include a loss of sensation and weakness in the arm and hand.
- CMC Joint Arthritis/Basal Thumb Arthritis — The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is also known as the basal joint. When the cartilage wears out, arthritis may begin to develop. It can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain at the base of the thumb.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome — This condition affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow and causes numbness, tingling, pain, and dexterity issues in the hand.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis — This condition is a chronic overuse injury on the tendons that run on the outside of the thumb.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture/Disease — This condition is a hand deformity that can develop over many years. Knots of tissue can develop up the palm of the hand. The thick tissue can form into a cord and pull the fingers into a bent position.
- Forearm and Wrist Fractures — The most common forearm fracture occurs in the wrist. They typically occur due to a fall onto an outstretched hand.
- Fracture/Dislocation — If too much pressure is exerted on your wrist or finger joints, they can fracture and dislocate at the same time. This could occur through a blow, fall, or another injury.
- Gamekeeper’s Thumb — This condition occurs due to a fall or direct blow to the thumb, causing a rupture of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament.
- Ganglion Cysts — These are non-cancerous growths that can develop along the tendons or joints of your hand or wrist.
- Ligament Tears — Ligament tears can occur through injury or overuse. They usually result from a fall and may be painful.
- Lunate Avascular Necrosis (Kienbock’s) — This condition occurs when the lunate bone loses its blood supply, leading to necrosis of the bone, resulting in stiffness, swelling, and pain in the wrist.
- Nerve Injuries — Nerves in the wrist or hand can be damaged through traumatic injuries, such as lacerations, fractures, or dislocations. Nerve injury or laceration may cause numbness, muscle weakness, and a tingling or burning sensation.
- Nodules — There are many different types of nodules or growths that can grow on the hand. The majority are non-cancerous (benign).
- Mallet Finger — This refers to an injury to the tendon of your finger. It results in the tip of your finger bending toward your palm.
- Osteoarthritis — The type of arthritis occurs through wear and tear of the cartilage, usually between the thumb and finger joints.
- Paralytic Hand Deformity — Patients who have suffered from a spinal cord injury or stroke may develop deformity of the hand, wrist, or elbow over time. In some cases, these deformities can make self-care and hygiene difficult.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis — A type of arthritis where your immune system attacks the cartilage of your joints. This results in pain and deformity of the wrist and hand joints.
- Scaphoid Fracture — The scaphoid is one of the small bones in the wrist. Fractures commonly occur due to a fall onto your hand. Many patients have mild pain and stiffness in the wrist. These fractures require urgent treatment to prevent non-union (not healing).
- Scaphoid Non-Union (Bone Grafting) — Failed healing of a Scaphoid fracture (non-union) can be treated. This focuses on reducing pain surgically to establish a good scaphoid position to help prevent osteoarthritis.
- SLAC Wrist — This condition occurs when the wrist bones abnormally wear down the cartilage surfaces, resulting in osteoarthritis.
- Tendon Laceration — Direct cuts, crush injuries, or complete ruptures can result in tendon lacerations.
- Tendon Subluxation — A subluxation is a dislocation involving an elongation, a tear, or an avulsion (separation) of the tendon in the wrist or hand.
- Texting Thumb — Texting thumb develops from smartphone overuse and can lead to pain and swelling on the thumb knuckle.
- Trigger Finger — This condition can affect one or more of your hand’s tendons, making it difficult to bend the affected finger or thumb. It can happen when the tendon sheath gets swollen, causing the tendon to catch as it passes through.
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear (Skier’s Thumb) — This condition can occur as a result of impact or repetitive use. It refers to an injury to the UCL tendon at the attachment of the thumb.
- Ulnocarpal Abutment Syndrome — This condition occurs when the wrist bones abnormally rub together, causing wrist pain.
- Wrist TFCC Tear — This is a tear to the triangular fibrocartilage complex in your wrist. The tear can happen through overuse or acute injury.
Hand and Wrist Treatment Options
There are several different treatment options for hand and wrist pain. At JIS Orthopedics, our specialists provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Non-Surgical Options for Hand and Wrist Pain
Many non-surgical options have proven effective in reducing hand and wrist pain. Some non-surgical treatments are listed below.
- Wrist Brace
- Casting
- Hand Therapy
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication
- Splinting
- Steroid Injections
Surgical Options for Hand and Wrist Pain
Surgical options may be recommended when non-surgical treatment options are unsuccessful in reducing hand or wrist pain. Our orthopedic specialists are skilled at performing the following surgical treatments:
- Carpal Tunnel Release: A cut is made on the ligament pressing down onto the carpal tunnel, releasing the ulnar nerve.
- CMC Arthroplasty LRTI Procedure: The surgeon will replace the surfaces of the worn-out thumb joint with a cushion of tissue.
- Cubital Tunnel Release: An incision is made at the elbow to release the tissue pressing on the ulnar nerve through the cubital tunnel.
- De Quervain’s Release Surgery: A small incision is made at the base of the thumb to release the fibrous tissue that is putting pressure on the tendon.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture Release: The surgeon will make an incision in the hand to remove the thickened tissue and free up the movement of the hand and fingers.
- Finger Contracture Release (Stiff Finger Release): This procedure includes a small incision to free up the fingers and hand by removing thick fibrous tissue.
- Finger Joint Replacement: This surgical procedure involves removing an arthritic or damaged finger joint and replacing it with an artificial joint.
- Fracture Treatment: Fixation can be done using plates and screws to hold the bones together while they heal.
- Ganglion Cyst Excision: The surgeon will puncture the cyst and drain the fluid.
- Hand Arthroscopy: The surgeon inserts a small camera through incisions to identify and remedy problems in the wrist.
- Hand Reconstruction: This can be used for those who have a deformation of the hand.
- Ligament Repair or Ligament Reconstruction: Ligament repair can be done by replacing it with a piece of a tendon from another part of the body.
- Mass or Tumor Removal: A small incision is made to remove the tumor and its root.
- MCP or Knuckle Joint Replacement: Replacement of the knuckle joint may be done with those who suffer from rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
- Nail Bed Repair: The nail will be removed to get access to the nail bed for repair.
- Nerve Repairs: Repairs can be done by removing the damaged section and connecting the two healthy ends or by grafting a new piece from another part of the body.
- Paralytic Hand Release and Tendon Transfer: This procedure is aimed to restore both flexion and extension of the finger to patients who have lost function due to nerve injury, tendon laceration, spinal cord injury, or stroke.
- Revision Operations: If a previous joint replacement fails, it can be redone with revision surgery.
- Scaphoid Fracture Fixation: A piece of metal will usually be used to hold the fracture in proper alignment while it heals.
- Skier’s Thumb Fixation (Thumb UCL Repair): A small incision is made at the back of the thumb, and the UCL is reattached using an anchor suture or screw.
- Skin Flap: The surgeon will use a piece of skin that’s partly detached to cover a nearby wound.
- Skin Graft: The surgeon will take a piece of skin from one part of the body to cover a nearby wound.
- Tendon Repairs: An incision is made to access the torn tendon. The tendons are then stitched together.
- Tendon Transfer Surgery: The surgeon removes a working muscle and tendon to replace a non-working muscle and tendon.
- Trigger Finger Release: An incision is made in the tissue over the tendon that bends the finger, allowing the tendon to move freely without pain.
- Ulnar Shortening: The surgeon can shorten your ulna bone to reduce excessive force and pain in the wrist.
- Wrist Arthroscopy (TFCC Repair): The surgeon inserts a small camera through incisions to identify and remedy problems in the wrist.
- Wrist Fusion: Total wrist fusion or partial wrist fusion surgeries fuse your major wrist bones. This is the most successful surgical treatment in reducing wrist pain.
- Wrist Joint Replacement: The procedure replaces your radiocarpal joint, which connects your hand to your arm.
Contact JIS Orthopedics Today!
If you are experiencing hand and wrist pain and are looking for relief, schedule an appointment with our skilled team at JIS Orthopedics. Our offices are conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH.
We look forward to creating a treatment plan that can give you the pain relief you’re looking for!
Live Without Limits Today!
If you’re suffering from finger pain, hand pain, wrist pain, or any upper extremity injuries, learn how Dr. AJ Julka and JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!
Meet Our Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. Adolph Lombardi Jr.
Hip, Knee
Dr. Keith Berend
Hip, Knee
Dr. Michael Morris
Hip, Knee
Dr. Jason Hurst
Knee, Shoulder
Dr. David Crawford
Hip, Knee
Dr. Derek Snook
Neck & Spine
Dr. AJ Julka
Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hand
Dr. Zackary Byrd
Hip, Knee
Dr. Nicholas Walla
Sports Medicine
Dr. Alexander G. Athey
Hip, Knee
