Your hands and wrists are essential for nearly every daily activity—from gripping a steering wheel to typing on a keyboard. When an injury occurs, even minor movements can become painful or difficult. At Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, our hand and wrist specialists are here to diagnose, treat, and help you recover from a wide range of injuries. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common hand and wrist injuries, their symptoms, causes, and when it’s time to seek expert care.
Common Hand and Wrist Injuries
1. Sprains and Strains
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
Causes:
Sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. These injuries often occur from falls, sports, or overuse.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Hand weakness
- Pain that may extend up the arm
Causes:
This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. It’s common in people with repetitive hand movements, such as typing or using tools.
3. Fractures (Broken Bones)
Symptoms:
- Immediate pain
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity or inability to move the hand or wrist
Causes:
Falls onto an outstretched hand, direct trauma, or accidents can lead to fractures in the fingers, hand, or wrist bones.
4. Tendonitis
Symptoms:
- Pain with movement
- Swelling or tenderness along the wrist or hand
- A feeling of “catching” or weakness
Causes:
Tendonitis results from inflammation of the tendons, often due to repetitive activities or overuse.
5. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling near the base of the thumb
- Difficulty gripping or pinching
- Pain that worsens with wrist or thumb movement
Causes:
Typically caused by overuse, repetitive motion, or strain—common in new parents, office workers, or athletes.
6. Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist
Symptoms:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and decreased mobility
- Clicking or grinding in the joints
Causes:
Osteoarthritis develops from wear and tear over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects joint linings.
When to Seek Treatment
While some minor injuries can be managed with rest and home care, it’s important to seek professional evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Visible deformity or swelling
- Loss of grip strength
- Difficulty performing routine tasks
Delaying care can lead to long-term complications or permanent loss of function. Our board-certified hand and wrist specialists offer both non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to your injury and lifestyle.
Expert Hand & Wrist Care at Raleigh Orthopaedic
With a dedicated team of orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons, occupational therapists, and in-house imaging, Raleigh Orthopaedic provides comprehensive care under one roof. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, repetitive stress condition, or arthritis, we’ll work with you to find the most effective treatment plan.
Schedule an Appointment with Raleigh Orthopaedic
If you’re dealing with pain, discomfort, or an injury, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our expert team at Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-781-5600 to be seen—often within 48 hours. For immediate care, we offer walk-in orthopedic urgent care services. Click here for hours and locations.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical judgment. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.