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Hand and wrist pain can make everyday tasks—from typing and opening jars to getting dressed—more difficult. The cause may be a nerve problem, joint changes, a tendon condition, or an injury. Because symptoms can overlap, a hand & wrist specialist can help identify what is causing your pain and discuss appropriate care.

Common Causes of Hand and Wrist Pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. It can cause numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the thumb and fingers—often including the index and middle fingers. Symptoms may be more noticeable at night. Some people also experience hand weakness, clumsiness, or trouble gripping small objects.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger affects a tendon that helps bend a finger or thumb. You may notice stiffness, tenderness, or a small tender spot near the base of the finger. The finger may click, catch, or lock when you bend or straighten it, sometimes getting stuck in a bent position.

Hand or wrist arthritis

Arthritis can cause aching, stiffness, swelling, or tenderness around the joints of the hand or wrist. Symptoms may become more noticeable with gripping, pinching, or other hand use. Pain at the base of the thumb, for example, can make turning a key or opening a jar difficult.

Tendon injuries and irritation

Tendons help move the fingers and thumb. A sudden injury or repeated motions can irritate or damage them. Depending on the area affected, symptoms may include pain, swelling, tenderness, weakness, or difficulty moving a finger, thumb, or wrist. Pain along the thumb side of the wrist, especially when gripping or lifting, may be associated with an irritated tendon condition such as de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

When Should You See a Hand and Wrist Specialist?

Consider making an appointment if pain or stiffness is getting worse, keeps returning, or interferes with work, sleep, or everyday activities. It’s also a good idea to seek evaluation for persistent numbness or tingling, dropping objects, weakness, or a finger that catches or locks. After an injury, get checked if you have ongoing pain or swelling, reduced movement, or trouble bending or straightening a finger.

Seek urgent medical care for a hand or wrist that looks deformed, an inability to move your hand or fingers, significant bleeding, or sudden numbness or weakness.

What to Expect at an Appointment

A hand & wrist specialist will ask about your symptoms, activities, and any previous injury, then examine your hand and wrist. Depending on what they find, they may recommend imaging or other tests. Care depends on the cause and may include activity changes, a brace or splint, therapy, medication, an injection, or surgery. The right plan starts with understanding what is behind your symptoms.

If hand or wrist pain is affecting your routine, Ozark Orthopaedics is here to help. Learn more about our Hand & Wrist Center and request an appointment.