Hand & Wrist Center
At Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates, we provide advanced treatment and rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremities. Our highly-trained specialists focus on applying advanced techniques in both operative and non-operative conditions of the hand & wrist to minimize pain while restoring function.
There are a variety of conditions and disorders that affect the hand & wrist. If you do not see a condition below, please contact our office and we will answer any questions you may have.
Common Hand & Wrist Conditions
Hand Fracture
A hand fracture or broken hand occurs when one of the hand bones is broken. Like all fractures, a hand fracture should be seen by a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible. Early treatment reduces symptoms and starts the bone healing process.
Broken Wrist
The distal radius and scaphoid are two important wrist bones. A broken wrist happens when either of the bones is fractured. A broken wrist is a serious injury that requires medical attention. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) should be made as soon as possible. Click To Learn More
Wrist Sprain
A wrist sprain occurs when a wrist ligament is overstretched or partially torn. When diagnosed and treated properly, a wrist sprain heals quickly—symptoms are reduced and the patient returns to normal activities with minimal to no restrictions. Patients who injure their wrist and experience wrist sprain symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects many patients. Various causes may compress the nerve that innervates the hand and fingers and cause unpleasant symptoms. Early carpal tunnel treatment reduces symptoms and treats carpal tunnel syndrome before it gets worse. An appointment with a Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurological Associates (CONA) hand specialist should be made at the first sign of symptoms.
Hand & Wrist Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of joint bone, cartilage and soft tissue. Two types of arthritis affect the hand, thumb and wrist:
Osteoarthritis. “Wear and tear” arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Immune system arthritis.
Early arthritis treatment is always best. A nonsurgical treatment plan reduces symptoms and prevents the condition from becoming worse. Patients who experience arthritis of the hand, thumb or wrist symptoms are encouraged to make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible.
Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous mass or lump in the hand or wrist. Cysts come and go and usually do not produce symptoms. When symptoms do present, they may make it difficult to move the hand or wrist without discomfort or pain. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist should be made as soon as possible.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger occurs when a finger catches or locks as it flexes or straightens. Trigger finger symptoms make it difficult to use the fingers and hand, especially if the finger remains locked. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist should be made as soon as symptoms present. Delaying treatment makes trigger finger worse.
Dupuytren's Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is thickening of the hand fascia—the fibrous layer of hand tissue. The fingers pull toward the palm of the hand and remain stuck, which makes it difficult to perform many hand movements required for normal day-to-day living. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist prescribes a customized treatment plan to treat Dupuytren’s contracture and reduce symptoms.
DeQuervain's Tendinitis
Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome
Ulnar tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. Symptoms present in the little and ring fingers and make it difficult to pinch and grip. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) wrist specialist’s customized treatment plan quickly reduces symptoms.
Tendon Injuries and Lacerations
The flexor tendons are located in the forearm, hand, and fingers. The tendons are important because they control hand movement, specifically finger and thumb bending. Flexor tendon injuries may make it impossible to properly use the hand. Patients who experience flexor tendon injury symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible.
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome occurs when the body abnormally responds to an injury. Symptoms that do not correspond to the injury type or location are experienced. The most common body part affected is the hand. Patients who experience complex regional pain symptoms in the hand are encouraged to make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible.
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Hand or wrist surgery is suggested only when all other options have been exhausted. Our Hand & Wrist Center Experts are dedicated to treating patients with the most effective course of treatment available.
Common Hand & Wrist Treatments
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are a minimally invasive treatment option for wrist arthritis. Pain-relief occurs quickly if not immediately after the short in-office procedure and patients are able to return to normal day-to-day activities.
Tendon Transfer Surgery
A tendon transfer surgery removes an unhealthy hand tendon and replaces it with a new one. Patients can move their hand without any problems after recovery and pain and other symptoms dramatically decrease.
Wrist Joint Replacement (Wrist Arthroscopy)
Wrist joint replacement (wrist arthroplasty) is a surgical treatment option for wrist arthritis. The procedure effectively reduces symptoms and improves wrist joint mobility and function.
