Hand & Wrist Pain Treatment in Annapolis, MD

Arthritis, by definition, is swelling of a joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage at the joint surfaces (ends of your bones) begin to wear down. Arthritis of the hand causes pain and swelling, stiffness and deformity.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand due to pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. It is one of the most common sources of hand pain. Typically, pain will be felt along the forearm, wrist, and hand.

Tendons are fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis is inflammation within or around a tendon and can cause mobility issues, swelling and pain. Prolonged irritation can produce scarring, thickening and the formation of bumps (nodules) in the tendon. These nodules can make it difficult to move the affected finger or thumb and can result in a clicking sensation, known as “trigger finger.” Both tendonitis and trigger finger are frequently caused by injuries or repetitive movements. Long term conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, are also associated with trigger finger.

De Quervian’s tenosynovitis occurs when the tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist and attach to the base of the thumb become swollen and inflamed. This puts pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain and numbness. Repetitive movements are the most common cause of De Quervian’s syndrome.

Ganglion cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that most commonly develop in the wrist. They can vary in size, and in many cases, grow larger with increased activity. Many ganglions produce no physical symptoms, but if a cyst puts pressure on nearby nerves, it can cause pain, tingling and muscle weakness.

There are many types of injuries that can result in pain. Sprains, fractures and dislocations of the PIP joint (the joint above the knuckle) are common and painful injuries. A hand sprain is an injury to the ligament, the strong tissue that connects the bones. A hand strain is a stretching or tearing of fibers in muscles or tendons.