Wrist Pain Syndrome
ARTHRITIS PAIN AT THE WRIST
The wrist joint is susceptible to the development of arthritis from a variety of conditions that have in common the ability to damage the joint cartilage.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Decreasing function of the wrist
- Decreased grip strength
Testing:
- Plain X-rays
- Lab Work
- MRI
Diagnosis:
A targeted history and physical examination combined with appropriate testing should help the clinician identify and properly treat this condition.
Treatment:
- Drug Therapy
- Intra-articular Injection
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a specific group of symptoms that can include: tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers, thumb, hand and occasionally in the arm.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by conditions and activities that put pressure on the median nerve and decrease its blood supply.
Sign and Symptoms:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Pain of the fingers
Diagnosis:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed based on your medical history, a physical exam and sometimes further tests.
Testing:
- Plain X-Rays
- Electromyography
- Lab Work
- MRI
- Treatments:
- Drug Therapy
- Splint
- Avoidance of repetitive activities that cause the source of pain
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
- Carpal Tunnel Injection
Nerve entrapment syndromes result from chronic injury to a nerve as it travels through an osseoligamentous tunnel; the compression is typically between the ligamentous canal and bony surfaces.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Sharp pain
- Burning pain
- Stabbing pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Motor deficit
- Diminished reflexes
- Weakness
Testing:
- Physical exam
- MRI
- X-Ray
- EMG
Diagnosis:
Obtaining comprehensive medical history along with proper testing can determine diagnosis as well as what type of herniation is involved.
Treatment:
- Drug therapy
- Physical therapy
- Facet Joint Rhizotomy
- Spinal Cord Stimulator
Strains are injuries that affect muscles or tendons, thick bands that attach muscles to bones. They occur in response to a quick tear, twist, or pull of the muscle.
Strains are an acute type of injury that results from overstretching or over contraction
Signs and Symptoms:
- Tenderness
- Excessive overuse
- Swelling
- Sharp pain
- Stabbing pain
- Clicking or popping sensation
- Weakness
- Decreased range of motion
Testing:
- Physical exam
- MRI
- X-Ray
Diagnosis:
Obtaining a comprehensive medical history along with proper testing can determine diagnosis.
Treatment:
- Drug therapy
- Physical therapy
- Facet Joint Rhizotomy
- Spinal Cord Stimulator