Hand, wrist, & elbow conditions & injuries

Hand, wrist, and elbow conditions and injuries are common. Adults and children alike can break a bone, sprain a wrist or hand, or have repetitive stress injuries such as tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. Other conditions, such as arthritis, are more common as you age. 

It’s important to have a doctor evaluate any type of hand, wrist, or elbow injury to avoid disability and other complications. The orthopedic specialists at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals can determine if you need treatment and make sure that your injury heals properly. Find an orthopedist for personal care of your hand, wrist, and elbow conditions and injuries in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.

Hand conditions & injuries

Overuse, accidents, and age-related wear and tear are usually what cause many hand conditions and injuries.

The signs and symptoms of hand conditions include pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and weakness. You also may have difficulty moving and using your hand, fingers, or thumb. 

Common hand conditions and injuries include: 

• Arthritis of the hand or thumb
• Broken fingers and other fractures
• Ganglion cyst, a fluid-filled mass along a tendon or joint
• Nerve injuries, resulting in numbness and loss of mobility
• Tendon injuries, including cut, torn, or detached tendons
• Trigger finger or thumb, an irritated and inflamed tendon
• Dislocation of hand and finger bones

Wrist conditions & injuries

Overuse from repetitive motions, such as those performed during sports, are a common cause of many wrist conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and strains. These are often chronic problems that develop slowly and last for weeks or months.

Acute injury and damage to the bones, ligaments, and tendons in the wrist can result in:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Finger numbness
• Inability to move your wrist through its full range of motion
• Swelling and warmth

Common wrist conditions and injuries include:

• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Dislocations and wrist fractures, or distal radius fracture
• Pseudogout, painful crystals that irritate hand and wrist joints
• Sprains and strains
• Tendonitis

Elbow conditions & injuries

Repetitive motion, overuse, and sports injuries are common causes of elbow conditions and damage. Falling on an outstretched hand is the most common cause of elbow dislocations and fractures.

Pain, tenderness, stiffness, and limited range of motion are the most common symptoms of an elbow condition or injury. You may also notice swelling and warmth, and your elbow may look deformed.

Common elbow conditions and injuries include:

• Arthritis and bursitis
• Strains and sprains
• Dislocations and fractures
• Tendonitis, including golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow

Treatment for hand, wrist, & elbow conditions & injuries 

Many hand, wrist, and elbow conditions and injuries respond to rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicines. Sometimes, corticosteroid shots are helpful. Your doctor may recommend surgery to repair damage from severe or complex injuries or when your condition does not respond to more conservative treatments. Physical and occupational therapy can help speed your recovery and prevent future problems, including disability and arthritis.

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals diagnoses and treats hand, wrist, and elbow injuries in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.