Pain in your hand or wrist can make even small tasks a challenge. At MU Health Care, we provide expert care to relieve discomfort and help you get back to doing everyday activities, pain-free.

Our hands shape how we work, play and interact with the world every day. When you’re struggling with hand or wrist pain, or a recent injury, we know how challenging day-to-day tasks can be. 

At MU Health Care, our orthopaedic specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating even the most complex injuries and chronic conditions of the hand, wrist and upper extremities. 

We’ll help you find answers and get the best treatment options, from first evaluation through total rehabilitation.

What Does Hand and Wrist Pain Feel Like?

Hand and wrist pain can show up differently, including: 

• Difficulty moving your hands or wrist
• Dull aching pain
• Sharp pain
• Tingling or numbness

Causes of Hand and Wrist Pain

Hand and wrist pain varies widely, from sudden injuries to chronic conditions. At MU Health Care, our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of hand and wrist issues.

Hand and Wrist Injuries

Hand and wrist injuries can happen in an instant, and getting expert care sooner rather than later can help minimize pain and mitigate long-term damage.

We treat common hand and wrist injuries, such as:

• Broken fingers, hands or wrist
• Fingertip injuries or amputations
• Nerve injuries
• Tendon injuries

As a Level I Trauma Center, our skilled hand surgeons are also available 24/7 to provide surgery when you need it, such as:

• Complex hand surgery
• Limb preservation
• Microsurgical reconstruction-flap surgery 

Our expert team offers everything from casting and bracing to hand therapy and advanced surgery to repair tendons and nerves.

Chronic Hand and Wrist Condition

Chronic hand and wrist conditions can cause pain and limit your ability to move, grip or perform daily tasks. At MU Health Care, we treat patients of all ages for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A compressed nerve in your wrist can cause numbness, tingling or weakness, sometimes making it difficult to grip objects.
• Wrist arthritis: Inflammation and degeneration of the wrist joint can cause pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion.
• Thumb arthritis: Cartilage at the base of the thumb wears away, leading to pain, swelling and difficulty with gripping or pinching.
• Cubital tunnel: Pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve at the elbow leads to numbness, tingling and weakness in the ring and little fingers.
• Dupuytren: Thickened tissue in the palm causes the fingers — usually the ring and little fingers — to bend inward and lose flexibility.
• Trigger finger: Swelling in the flexor tendon can make your finger click, catch or lock in a bent position, limiting smooth movement.
• Wrist tendinitis (De Quervain’s or “texter’s thumb”): Repetitive wrist and thumb motions, like texting or lifting, can cause inflammation and pain, especially with twisting movements.
• Tendon repair: An injured or damaged tendon usually won’t heal on its own and can prevent your finger from bending or straightening.
• Lumps and bumps (ganglion cysts): Fluid-filled lumps near joints or tendons can grow, shrink or press on nerves, sometimes causing discomfort with movement.
• Retained foreign bodies: Embedded objects like glass, metal or splinters can cause pain and swelling. If they don’t come out on their own, we may need to remove them to prevent irritation or infection.

How We Diagnose the Cause of Hand and Wrist Pain

The first step toward relief is understanding what’s causing your pain. We take the time to listen, learn about your symptoms and understand how hand and wrist discomfort affects your daily life. 

At your first appointment, our team will: 

• Review your medical history
• Discuss any treatments you’ve tried
• Perform a physical exam to check flexibility, range of motion and pain triggers

Advanced Diagnostic Tools for Hand and Wrist Pain

We may use imaging, like X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound or electrodiagnostic testing to pinpoint the source of your pain. 

MU Health Care offers the latest technology and expert specialists to diagnose even the most complex conditions. With a precise diagnosis, we can create the right treatment plan from the start.

How We Treat the Cause of Hand and Wrist Pain

Whether you're an athlete, artist, laborer or student, your hands are essential to what you do. Our team works closely with occupational therapy specialists to create a treatment plan that helps you regain function for all hand and upper extremity conditions.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Hand and Wrist Pain

Once we understand your condition and goals, we may explore nonsurgical options first. Depending on your needs, treatment may include: 

• Rest: Limiting movement gives your body time to heal. A splint, brace, ice or heat may help reduce pain.
• Injections: Targeted medications can relieve pain and inflammation, often with same-day availability for quick relief.
• Medications: NSAIDs and other medications can help with pain, swelling and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Stretches and exercises help improve flexibility and strength.
• Injury prevention: Small adjustments to your workspace or daily activities can reduce strain and prevent pain from returning.

Hand and Wrist Surgery

If nonsurgical treatments aren’t enough, MU Health Care is the only hospital in Mid-Missouri, and one of just 50 in the U.S., to earn the Hand Trauma Center of Excellence designation from the American College of Surgeons. 

We specialize in outpatient procedures such as: 

• Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
• Cyst removal
• Foreign body removal
• Tendon repair
• Trigger finger surgery
• Wrist tendinitis surgery

We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable without sedation, so you can skip the hospital stay and head home the same day. 

Our surgeons also handle the region’s most complex cases, from referrals to second opinions.

Why Choose MU Health Care for Hand and Wrist Pain Treatment

• High continuity of care: Our hand therapists are located in the same building as our orthopaedic doctors and surgeons and have a close relationship, allowing for seamless care in fewer visits.
• Highly specialized experts: all our hand surgeons are board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, and some have Surgery of the Hand Subspecialty Certification.
• Leaders in care: Our specialists teach other hand surgeons at national meetings and are thought leaders, ensuring quality of care beyond just mid-Missouri.
• Advanced reconstructive surgery: We offer highly complex surgeries such as free flap reconstruction and targeted muscle reinnervation associated with amputee care.