4 Common Wrist and Hand Conditions That Might Require Surgery

It is no secret that our wrists and hands are two of the most used body parts for most people. Our hands assist us with doing our job, cooking food, and even making art and music. So when our wrist or hands begin to fail, it can be devastating. However, we can find relief by seeking the advice of an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary. Our experts offer the following hand and wrist conditions that may require surgery:

Ganglion cysts

Ganglion cysts are common bumps on the wrist and hand. These cysts do not link to lifestyle, gender, or age and appear at random. They are small sacs filled with transparent, jelly-like substances or fluid. In most cases, they are pain-free and benign. However, a ganglion cyst's location can interfere with wrist and hand movement in other cases. In addition, these cysts can cause discomfort and pain in some situations. There are a variety of ways to treat them.

They can simply be watched when they do not cause you any symptoms. At other times you can relieve pain by immobilization. On the other hand, they can be drained or aspirated with a needle by an orthopedic surgeon if they become symptomatic or persistent. Surgery can also be performed to eliminate them.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome presents when your transverse carpal ligament (TCL) narrows or tissues surrounding it cause pressure on your median nerve that extends the length of your arm and into your hand. This condition is caused by compression of your TCL where the median nerve connects your hand to the base of your wrist. Initial symptoms of CTS are tingling and numbness in the side of the hand and thumb, but over time, constant compression causes weakness and loss of feeling in the muscle of your thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often treated early with oral steroids or a nighttime brace that a physician prescribes. If the condition is painful, you may find relief with a corticosteroid injection. Surgery is typically the next step when weakness and pain continue.

It is believed that this hand condition can have genetic markers, but you can prevent it from worsening with early intervention. CTS is more common in the elderly, women, or people who work in fields with frequent vibrations that impact their hands. If you think you might be developing CTS, you should avoid sleeping in a position that causes your wrist to curl or bend, improve your posture when working, take breaks from repetitive actions (typing or lifting objects), and stretch your fingers, wrists, and hands once per hour. Use ice if your wrist develops soreness.

Basal joint arthritis

There are various types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, caused by regular wear and tear you might experience throughout your life. This condition is caused by the cartilage lining your joints between bones deteriorating, causing friction between bones. Such deterioration causes stiffness, swelling, weakness, loss of motion, pain, inflammation, and irritation. When your hand or the base of your thumb develops degenerative changes, it is known as basal joint arthritis. This condition's initial treatment usually includes immobilization, compression, splints, injections, topical medications, supplements, and over-the-counter medications.

You should always consult your physician before taking any supplements or medications.
In severe cases, a hand surgeon can administer corticosteroid injections to provide relief and calm the inflammation. When initial treatments fail, ligament reconstruction tendon interposition surgery is common to remove the bone at the base of your thumb and eliminate any subsequent pain and grinding.

Trigger finger

You have flexor tendons that go from your forearm muscles into the palm of your hand to help move your fingers. Your tendon functions with a pulley system in your palm, much like a fishing pole running through eyelets. When this system's entry points become irritated, it causes thickening and inflammation, forcing this pulley to close. When the tunnel narrows, friction on the tendon results in a lump that catches your tendon and prevents it from gliding effectively. This causes your finger to lock into a bent position, otherwise identified as trigger finger.

Initial treatments for this condition can include corticosteroid injections. Up to three injections can be used, but your next option for relief will be surgery if they fail. It is important to note that this condition is more common in women and people with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. The risk can also increase with prolonged or repeated gripping for those playing instruments or lifting heavy objects.

When dealing with any of these wrist or hand conditions, it is essential to be aware that treatment is possible. If you have continued pain that interrupts your daily life or has been ongoing, an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Mary can help you find relief.