The wrist is essential in effective hand movement and we use our hands constantly. So when you’re experiencing wrist pain, almost all day-to-day activities are affected. In fact, you probably didn’t realize what an important role the wrist really plays in your life until you experienced wrist injury or pain that keeps you from moving it properly. Because we use our wrists so often and due to the lack of fat on our wrists, they are more prone to repetitive injury than other parts of the body. To diagnose and properly treat wrist pain and to keep it from coming back, consult with the wrist doctors at AICA Orthopedics. We’ll treat the root cause of your issue, rather than treating the symptoms for just short-term relief.
Our team of wrist specialists see wrist injuries frequently and we specialize in diagnosing problem areas as well as advising treatment methods for complete healing. The wrist doctors at AICA Orthopedics in Atlanta provide a variety of treatment options including non-invasive and surgical procedures. We do whatever we can to ease your pain and only resort to surgery when absolutely necessary to bring long-term healing and pain relief.
There are several causes of wrist pain, some of which are more obvious than others. Sprains or breaks can obviously affect your wrist function, but some wrist pain can be related to the joints or nerves in the wrist.
Carpal tunnel is a common wrist ailment that is caused by the pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, often due to inflammation within the wrist. Pinched nerves can also be the source of wrist pain.
Arthritis is one of the most common causes for wrist pain. Degeneration of joints in the wrist can lead to arthritis in the wrists, causing a great deal of tightness and pain in the wrists and hands. If you are having trouble straightening your wrist, if your thumb or wrist joints are painful to move, if you are experiencing tingling in your hand or wrist, if there is significant swelling or bruising around the wrist, or if you can’t carry objects or twist your wrist as normal, then a visit to a wrist specialist is recommended. Don’t wait if you have any of these symptoms of wrist pain as it could only cause more damage or injury over time.
One common source of pain is wrist pain after a car accident. Even a small collision can put a large amount of pressure on your wrists. Just like a weight lifter that uses the incorrect form and puts too much weight on their wrists, a car accident can put an incredible amount of force on your wrists. In an accident your body weight and the velocity of the impact play role. Instead of wondering about that wrist pain from a car accident, you should visit our accident injury doctors at AICA and talk to a wrist doctor that understands typical injuries from a car accident.
Wrist joints are utilized very frequently in the course of most people’s everyday activities, so an X-Ray can help to see if the wrist joint has endured any harm or if it is functioning properly.
LEARN MOREMRI scans can help your physician to see the soft tissue elements of your wrist, hand, and forearm which should allow for accurate diagnosis of any tendon or ligament damage you have suffered.
LEARN MORECT scans are very reliable because they rely on cross-sectional images overlapping to show an image of the full anatomy. They work by using many different X-Rays at various angles to capture images.
LEARN MORENerve tests, such as NCV’s and EMG’s can allow your specialist to determine if your wrist is injured due to nerve or muscle responses that are damaged or atrophied.
LEARN MOREAt AICA Orthopedics, our specialists use the latest in technological advancements and digital imaging to diagnose the exact cause of your wrist pain. An X-ray of your wrist can give specialists a picture of the bones surrounding the wrist joint to see if there is damage. For a more extensive picture of the tendons or tissue inside the wrist, an orthopedic specialist might order an MRI or CT scan. Nerve damage could also be the source of nerve pain. NCV procedures test for nerve function to pinpoint the cause of nerve pain.
After a diagnosis has been made, our team will then design a course of treatment to address the specific wrist issues you’re having. Our orthopedic team of specialists can ensure that your bones heal properly, and they also monitor ligaments and joints to treat your wrist pain. Wrist doctors might recommend non-invasive treatments such as wearing a brace to immobilize your wrist to promote healing. Anti-inflammatory medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the wrist. Injections can also help with pain management. For more serious wrist pain, surgery may be required.
Carpal Tunnel Release is a procedure that cuts the carpal ligament to release pressure on the median nerve. This surgery relieves symptoms of carpal tunnel. Another type of procedure an orthopedic surgeon can perform is a wrist arthroscopy. This procedure involves inserting a small camera into the wrist so orthopedic surgeons can go in and repair any damage to the tissue around the wrist. Both before surgery and after surgery, physical therapists work alongside you to increase the strength and mobility in the affected wrist. Chiropractors can also assess the wrist to correct alignment and remove pinched nerves that may be causing the pain. Neurologists specialize in treating the nerves in the wrist and can offer a diagnosis and treatment plan for pinched or damaged nerves in the wrist. Our entire team of orthopedic doctors will work together to provide you with the best treatment plan and the most optimal results.
If you have persistent wrist pain from an injury, nerve issue, or joint problem, you don’t just have to live with it. We know that wrist pain can be debilitating, and before you simply accept the pain and attempt to manage it, consider other options. AICA Orthopedics wants to help you find relief. We work hard on your behalf to address the concern, correct the problem, and get you back to the activities you love as quickly as possible. Whether you need an outpatient procedure or a more invasive surgical option, the orthopedic specialists at AICA work with you towards a quick recovery time. Our wrist doctors ensure that you are well taken care of and have a low risk of complications. Your health and wellness are important to us. We do our very best to make sure your injury heals properly and quickly so you can resume life as normal. For the very best in wrist orthopedic care, turn to the professionals at AICA Orthopedics. Consult our team of wrist orthopedics today to learn about a personalized treatment plan that can address your wrist pain to give you back your range of motion and mobility.