Wrist Surgery

A wrist is a complex joint that is made up of several types of bones and a network of tendons and ligaments. The wrist is the most used joint, which enables our hand to make such flexible movements. However, due to this complexity, the risk of facing complicated risk problems and injuries increases. 

Our wrist is made up of 8 small Carpal bones that are connected to two large bones, namely Radius and Ulna, situated in the forearm. As it is a complex and one of the most used joints, many injuries can occur in the wrist. In addition, there are several conditions that can result in wrist pain and problems, such as fractures, sprains, Arthritis, sudden force, etc. 

In most cases of wrist problems, the symptoms are highly identical, due to which it becomes necessary to seek medical help immediately. Delaying in getting professional medical attention might have dire consequences, such as permanent damage to the wrist or death of a damaged bone.

Common Wrist Problems

Our wrist joint can face multiple simple and complex problems because it is made up of 8 different Carpal bones connected to the bones located in the forearm and responsible for the complete movement of our wrists. 

Given below is a list of the most common types of wrist complications faced by people:

1. Fracture: our wrist consists of eight interconnected bones responsible for the wrist's complete movement. These bones are smaller in size as compared to other bones present in our body. These bones can be damaged or fractured if excess force is exerted on them or if you try to lift a heavy weight without proper support and precaution. This fracture can lead to excruciating pain and stiffness of the wrist and can damage your wrist permanently if left untreated for a long time. 

1. Bone dislocation: Wrist bones are interconnected with each other, but they are not completely connected and have space between them. This space increases the risk of bone dislocation in the wrist, which can completely restrict your wrist from making any movement or might cause unbearable pain when you try to move it. In most cases, bone dislocation occurs due to a sudden high-impact blow on the wrist or when excessive force is exerted on the wrist.

1. Arthritis is a medical condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the affected body parts. Many causes, such as aging, excess use of a body part, wear and tear, accident, etc., can be responsible for Arthritis. 

The most common types of Arthritis are 'Rheumatoid Arthritis' and 'Osteoarthritis.' Furthermore, obesity, untreated infections, untreated joint injuries, and smoking are a few examples of medical conditions and factors that can increase the risk of developing Arthritis.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This medical condition occurs when pressure is exerted on the median nerve. A narrow tunnel-like structure surrounded by bones and ligaments, located on the palm side of the hand, is called 'The carpal tunnel.' Compression of The median nerve results in tingling, numbness, and excruciating pain. The pain and other symptoms worsen if left untreated for a long time and can have undesired outcomes like permanent dysfunction of the affected hand. 

1. Strains & Sprains: A sprain or strain occurs when a person falls on an outstretched hand, which puts immense pressure on ligaments and tendons, causing pain, swelling, tenderness, and numbness. Three types of sprains exist Mid-ligament stretching, Completely torn ligaments, and Partially torn ligaments. Damage to ligaments and tendons can result in extreme pain and can entirely block the movement of affected body parts. 

Causes of Wrist Problems

The specific causes of complex wrist problems differ in each case, as there are several types of wrist complications. 

However, some common causes are responsible for most types of wrist injuries and problems, and they are as follows: 

• Overuse injuries: One of the main causes of complex wrist problems is 'Overuse injuries' that include medical conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and strains & sprains. An overuse injury is a medical condition that occurs due to the usage of a single body part repeatedly, which exerts unwanted pressure on the body part that has been used repeatedly. 

• Lifting heavy weights: The human wrist contains eight carpal bones that are smaller in size as compared to other bones of the human body. When we lift heavy weights, excess force is applied to these small bones, damaging or injuring one or more bones. 

• Accidents: Yet another reason for complex wrist problems is accidents. These accidents can occur either while driving a motor vehicle or performing a physical activity such as a workout or involvement in sports. Such accidents mainly occur when an individual needs to follow the rules properly. When an accident occurs, immediate pressure is exerted on the wrist, which may result in a wrist injury.

• Falls: When a person falls on an outstretched hand, it results in an injury to the carpal tunnel, and the median nerve present in the wrist is compressed. Such falls can occur while you're performing any physical activity—damage to the median nerve results in symptoms such as excruciating pain, tingling, and numbness.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of wrist problems vary as per the specific type of problem. For instance, tingling, numbness, and pain are some symptoms you might face while suffering from Carpal tunnel syndrome. Whereas stiffness and inability to move your hand properly are symptoms, you might feel while you have a wrist sprain. 

Some of the common symptoms of all wrist problems are listed below:

• Point tenderness.
• Stiffness in the wrist.
• Lost wrist potential.
• Difficulty in making movements with wrists.
• Swelling and tenderness over the affected wrist.
• Difficulty in lifting or gripping things.
• Inability to perform routine tasks appropriately.

Nevertheless, symptoms for more severe injuries such as a fractured wrist would include problems like unusual shape and bruising of the wrist.

Treatment

The treatment of different wrist problems also varies as per the type and severity of the injury, just like the symptoms. Therefore, knowing the specific type and injury of your wrist will aid you as well as your doctor in opting for the most suitable treatment.

Different types of treatment for the most common wrist problems are listed below:

For Carpal tunnel syndrome: 

• Wearing a splint/cast will ease the pain and inflammation by immobilizing your wrist.
• Applying a heating bag or ice pack for several minutes daily will numb your pain and release the swelling.
• Taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will even reduce the pain and improve overall condition.
• Physical therapy will help you regain your wrist's lost potential and movement.

Bone fracture: 

• Taking drugs and medication helps you by reducing pain.
• A surgical procedure can help you by joining the broken bones.
• Wearing a cast/splint immobilizes your hand, resulting in faster recovery.

Bone dislocation: 

• Bone manipulation is necessary to move the dislocated bone to its original place.
• Antibiotics and corticosteroids are used to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physiotherapy is used to regain the lost potential and functioning of the hand.

In addition to all the above-mentioned wrist problems and their treatments, several other common treatment methods can be used to cure wrist problems.

These common methods of treatment are as follows: 

• Antibiotics and painkillers.
• Immobilization.
• Physiotherapy and hand exercises.
• Avoid using the affected wrist for some time.
• Using injections to reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

Prevention 

Taking appropriate precautions could help you avoid wrist injuries in many cases, and taking proper steps to prevent any injuries is necessary. 

Below is a list of steps that can be taken to prevent wrist problems.

1. Consuming edibles containing adequate amounts of calcium helps you strengthen your bones.
2. Wearing appropriate safety equipment before participating in any physical or sports activity could help you avoid injuries.
3. Reassuring that no slippery substance is spilled in the common walking space helps reduce falls and accidents.
4. Avoid lifting heavy weights or ensure that you know the right method of lifting weights, which will aid you by reducing the risk of injuries.
5. Following traffic rules and being focused throughout.

Why Cutis Hospital for Complex Wrist Problems?

Thorough knowledge

There are numerous types of wrist problems, some of which can be complex in nature. Doctors at Cutis possess thorough knowledge and adequate practical experience regarding different types of wrist problems.

They thoroughly get to know about the type of wrist injury. Then they offer end-to-end diagnosis and treatment followed by post-operative care and assistance for a satisfied patient experience.  

Appropriate treatment

Treatment of wrist injuries and problems varies as per their type and severity, due to which it is necessary to make a proper diagnosis of the patient. Here, doctors conduct a thorough diagnosis, and the treatment method is chosen as per the type of problems and their severity. 

These experts choose an unbiased method of treatment after a thorough diagnosis, which helps the patient recover faster without any long-term damage while also saving resources.

Advanced equipment & maintenance

All the equipment used at Cutis is up-to-date and accurate; these advanced machines and equipment aid the doctor by providing as much additional help as possible to help the patient recover faster. 

Apart from having all the necessary equipment, our team makes consistent efforts to maintain the equipment on a regular basis properly. In addition, this equipment is cleaned and disinfected properly after each and every use to prevent transmission of infection and viruses.