Hand Pain

Hand Pain services offered in Wasilla, AK

Hands are so vital to everything you do that pain can be particularly disabling. If you suffer from hand pain, visit Pioneer Peak Orthopedics in Wasilla, Alaska, for an accurate diagnosis and high-quality treatment. The board-certified surgeons specialize in noninvasive therapies as well as being experts in surgeries like carpal tunnel release. Call Pioneer Peak Orthopedics or book an appointment online today. Alternatively, you can visit the orthopedic walk-in clinic for a prompt hand pain assessment.

What causes hand pain?

Hand pain can have many causes, from minor injuries to chronic conditions. Some of the most common causes include:

Arthritis

Inflammation of the joints resulting from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to stiffness and hand pain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel symptoms occur when the median nerve in the wrist is under pressure, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand.

Tendinitis

Overusing your hand can lead to inflammation of the tendons, causing pain and swelling.

Acute injuries

A broken bone or a stretched ligament can result in sharp pain and difficulty using the hand.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger causes one or more fingers to lock in a bent position due to tendon inflammation.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

This condition causes pain in the thumb side of your hand and difficulty gripping.

What are the symptoms of hand pain?

Hand pain symptoms vary depending on the cause but may include:

Sharp or dull pain in the hand or fingers
Swelling, stiffness, and/or redness
Weak grip strength
Tingling or numbness, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
A clicking or locking sensation when moving a finger

Pain may also travel into the wrist and along the arm, sometimes reaching your shoulder if the problem affects the long median nerve.

How is hand pain treated?

The treatment your Pioneer Peak Orthopedics provider recommends for hand pain depends on the underlying cause but may include:

Rest and lifestyle changes

Avoiding activities that worsen the pain, using ergonomic tools, or wearing supportive braces can help.

Medications

Over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce pain and inflammation. You might need prescription medications for severe hand pain.

Physical therapy

Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility, relieve nerve pressure, and restore hand function.

Cortisone injections

Steroid injections reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve symptoms of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.

The Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team may recommend surgery if nonsurgical treatments don’t work. For example, carpal tunnel release surgery relieves median nerve pressure by cutting the ligament that compresses it.

Surgical techniques include arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure where your surgeon uses tiny instruments inserted through small openings to repair damaged joints or tendons.

If hand pain interferes with your daily life, visit Pioneer Peak Orthopedics for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Call the office, use the online booking form, or drop into the orthopedic walk-in clinic today.