Specialties
Hand & Wrist
Hand and wrist pain can interfere with even the simplest tasks, from buttoning a shirt to lifting a cup. At Precision Orthopedics, our team provides comprehensive care for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions to relieve pain, restore function, and help you get back to doing what you love.
Your recovery resource
Learn more about the structures of the hand and wrist, common injuries, and how we treat them.
How does hand and wrist pain typically develop?
Hand and wrist pain often results from repetitive motion, trauma, or degenerative conditions. Repeated activities like typing, texting, or gripping tools can lead to chronic overuse injuries, while sudden impacts or falls can cause fractures, sprains, or tendon injuries.
Swelling, numbness, tingling, or restricted movement are all signs that warrant evaluation. Left untreated, even minor symptoms can become long-term limitations.
What makes the anatomy of the hand and wrist so complex?
The hand and wrist are made up of 27 bones, 34 muscles, over 100 ligaments and tendons, and three major nerves. This intricate structure enables both power and precision — from lifting heavy objects to threading a needle.
The wrist connects the hand to the forearm through a network of small carpal bones and is stabilized by ligaments and tendons. Any imbalance in this system, such as inflammation or nerve compression, can lead to dysfunction and pain.
What are the most common hand and wrist conditions?
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Caused by compression of the median nerve, resulting in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.
- Tendonitis: Often from repetitive use, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
- Trigger Finger: A condition where tendons become inflamed and cause the finger to catch or lock.
- Fractures: Breaks in the bones of the hand or wrist, typically caused by falls or direct impact.
- Arthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage, commonly affecting the fingers and base of the thumb.
How are hand and wrist conditions treated?
Our providers use a range of techniques to reduce pain and preserve function. Many conditions respond well to early intervention, allowing patients to avoid surgery altogether. We tailor treatment based on your specific diagnosis and lifestyle needs. Our recommendations may include:
- Splinting and bracing
- Physical therapy and hand therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgical intervention for severe cases
It is important to note that recovery times vary based on the condition and treatment approach. Many patients with non-surgical issues improve in a few weeks with conservative care. However, post-surgical rehabilitation can take several months and may include structured therapy and at-home exercises to restore fine motor skills and grip strength.
We recommend patients take measures toward preventative care. To help reduce your risk of hand and wrist injuries, try the following:
- Performing proper ergonomics at work and home
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Avoiding repetitive strain by taking breaks and using proper technique
Meet our physicians who specialize in hand and wrist care:
Rishi Bhatnagar, MD – Chief Strategy Officer
Craig Person, MD
Our locations that offer hand and wrist support:
Cumberland, MD
Charles Regional Surgical Center, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
Greenbelt, MD
La Plata, MD
Laurel, MD
Oxon Hill, MD
Waldorf, MD
White Oak, MD
Make an appointment
If you have an orthopedic need, we have you covered. We can even accommodate new appointments within 24 hours for acute injuries.
View our locations
Find the Precision facility that is closest to you among our 19 locations throughout Maryland and D.C. and give our team a call.