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The Joint Clinic

About Wrist

About Wrist

Wrist Pain may be because of variety of reasons like cartilage tears, arthritis, torn ligaments, tendon sheath swellings

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a cartilage structure of the wrist that cushions and supports the small bones in the wrist. An injury or tear to the TFCC causes wrist pain and clicking. These are commonly seen in those who fall on an outstretched hand or those who use a racquet, bat or club and those who put a lot of pressure on the wrist such as gymnasts. Degenerative tears (due to wear-tear) are common in people over 50. Some cases can be managed with non surgical treatment like splints, medication etc. Surgery is needed for certain types of tears. This can be performed arthroscopically through small cuts. More about Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist Arthritis

Wrist Arthritis causes long standing wrist pain. Most common are two types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Just like knee arthritis, here the cartilage gets destroyed and bones start rubbing against each other leading to pain and stiffness. Nonsurgical treatment includes modifying your activities, immobilization in splints, exercises and medication.  Surgical Treatment is required when nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective. Surgical options include removing the arthritic bones (proximal row carpectomy), fusion of the wrist and wrist joint replacement.  More about Carpectomy, wrist fusion, wrist replacement

Thumb Base Arthritis

Thumb base arthritis causes pain at the base of the thumb making simple tasks difficult like opening the lid of a jar or turning a key in a lock. Common cause is osteoarthritis or “wear-tear” arthritis. Non operative treatment is with rest and activity modification. Surgical treatment involves removing a small bone and replacing it with a tendon in the forearm. More about FCR Interposition Arthroplasty

De Quervain’s Syndrome

De Quervain’s syndrome is a common condition affecting the tendons of the wrist. Pain is felt on the thumb side of the wrist It is an overuse condition, ie: highly repetitive use of this tendon due to gripping, lifting or twisting may cause this syndrome. Non-surgical treatment is to break the cycle of inflammation and pain by rest, thumb spica splint, exercises and anti-inflammatory tablets. Surgery is recommended in severe disease. It is performed via a small cut over the affected area, in order to release the tight sheath over the tendon. It can be performed under local anaesthetic with the patient awake, or under general anaesthesia with the patient asleep.More about De Quervain’s Release

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and fingers can be caused by Carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is brought on by increased pressure or a pinched nerve at the wrist. Symptoms can often be relieved without surgery. Identifying and treating medical conditions and keeping the wrist splinted may help reduce pressure on the nerve. Anti-inflammatory medication may also help. When symptoms are severe or do not improve, surgery may be needed to make more room for the nerve. Pressure on the nerve is decreased by cutting the ligament which forms the roof (top) of the tunnel on the palm side of the hand. This is done with a small cut of about 2 cm. It may take several weeks for strength in the hand and wrist to return to normal. More about carpal tunnel surgery