Wrist Surgery

Your hands and wrists are an important part of your everyday life. You use them to work, to enjoy your hobbies, and to do even the simplest of tasks throughout the day. If you have an injury or other condition that is causing pain or limiting your range of motion, orthopedic wrist surgery may be your best treatment option. Learning more about the conditions that are commonly treated with wrist surgery as well as what to expect during recovery can help you make better choices about your own healthcare. 

What Kinds of Injuries and Illnesses May Lead to Wrist Surgery?

Some of the various injuries and conditions that may lead to orthopedic surgery for wrists include:

• Arthritis. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to significant joint damage that causes pain and limits the mobility in your hands. In some cases, orthopedic wrist surgery can help stabilize joints, which in turn reduces pain and provides a better range of motion. 
• Compressed nerves. Sometimes nerves in your hands and wrists may become compressed due to injury or illness. Nerve decompression is the best way to resolve this issue and relive the pain and numbness associated with it. 
• Dislocations or fractures. If you have dislocated or fractured bones in your wrists and the injury is quite severe, surgery that involves the implantation of screws, plates, and wires may be required to facilitate healing. 
• Carpal tunnel pain. When pressure on the median nerve in your wrist causes pain and numbness through your hands, a surgeon can widen the carpal tunnel through which the median nerve passes and relieve the pressure. 
• Trigger finger. This occurs when the fingers remain stuck in a bent position and make a pop when they are straightened. It is caused by inflammation in the tendons, and in the worst cases, it may cause you severe pain. Surgery can release these fingers and relieve your pain. 

What to Expect After Orthopedic Surgery for Wrists

After your surgery, your doctor will help mitigate pain and swelling with prescription pain medications and, in some cases, NSAIDs to help relieve excessive swelling. You will take these medications as needed for a few days following surgery. You can expect some pain and stiffness in the affected wrist, and you will likely be advised to keep your wrist in a cast or sling for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Later, when you can start using your wrist again, you will likely see a physical rehabilitation specialist who can help you regain your range of motion without creating a risk of reinjury. 

If you are experiencing serious wrist pain, it is important that you see a doctor right away to get a proper diagnosis. Then, depending on the nature of your condition, orthopedic wrist surgery may be the best way to not only help your wrist heal, but also relieve your pain.