At OPA Ortho, we believe surgery isn’t always the answer
The hand and wrist are made up of a complex network of bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that allow for fine motor skills and strength. However, due to their frequent use in daily activities, they are also prone to injury. Fortunately, many hand and wrist injuries can be managed without surgery through conservative treatments such as rest, therapy, medication, and bracing. Conditions like sprains, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and mild fractures often respond well to conservative care, allowing individuals to heal and regain full use of their hands and wrists without the need for invasive procedures
We help patients with chronic back or neck pain, post-surgical rehab needs, or those who want to avoid unnecessary operations.
Common non-surgical hand and wrist injuries include:
Soft Tissue Injuries
• Wrist Sprains – Occur when the ligaments in the wrist are overstretched, commonly from falls or twisting motions
• Finger and Thumb Sprains – Result from excessive bending or force, leading to pain and swelling
• Tendonitis (Tendinitis) – Inflammation of tendons due to repetitive motion, often seen in athletes or individuals with repetitive jobs
• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – A specific type of tendonitis affecting the tendons at the base of the thumb
Nerve-Related Conditions
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, often caused by repetitive hand use or underlying conditions
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the ulnar nerve near the elbow, which can affect hand and wrist function
• Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome (Guyon’s Canal Syndrome) – Nerve compression in the wrist affecting grip strength and sensation
Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) – Caused by repetitive motions such as typing or manual labor
• Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis) – A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent
position and clicks when straightened
• Gamer’s Thumb (Texting Thumb) – Inflammation from excessive phone or gaming device use
Arthritis & Degenerative Conditions
• Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear arthritis affecting the hand and wrist joints
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – An autoimmune disorder causing chronic inflammation in the hand
and wrist
• Basal Thumb Arthritis – A specific type of arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the thumb
Minor Fractures & Bone Conditions
• Stable Wrist Fractures – Non-displaced fractures that heal with splinting or casting
• Hairline (Stress) Fractures – Small bone cracks due to repetitive stress
• Boxer’s Fracture (Mild Cases) – A break in the metacarpal bone, often from punching or impact
Most non-surgical hand and wrist injuries can be effectively managed with rest, bracing, therapy, and medication. Identifying the type of
injury early and following a proper treatment plan can prevent worsening symptoms and promote full recovery. If symptoms persist despite
conservative care, further evaluation by a healthcare provider may be necessary.
When to Consider Surgery
– Severe Fractures or Dislocations
– Chronic Pain and Limited Function
– Nerve Compression or Damage
– Tendon or Ligament Injuries
– Severe Arthritis or Joint Degeneration
– Non-Healing or Worsening Conditions
Common non-surgical hand and wrist treatments include:
• Rest & Movement Modification – avoiding repetitive motions that strain the hand or wrist
• Ice & Heat Therapy – Ice for reducing swelling and pain, heat for muscle relaxation and inproved blood flow
• Bracing & Supportive Devices – bracing and straps can provide stability and support for a variety of conditions
• Medications for Pain & Inflammation – NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Exercises – Can improve flexibility and prevent stiffness
• Corticosteroid Injections – Used for arthritis, bursitis, and chronic inflammation to provide temporary pain relief
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation) – Helps lubricate the knee joint in cases of osteoarthritis
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses the body’s own platelets to promote healing in chronic tendon or ligament injuries
Other Injuries and Conditions Managed at OPA Ortho
Foot and Ankle
Supportive care for sprains, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis with orthotics, therapy, and medications.
Elbow
Treating tendonitis, nerve compression, and joint pain using rest, therapy, and guided injections.
Knee
Effective care for ligament injuries, arthritis, and knee pain through bracing, therapy, and injections.
Shoulder
Non-invasive solutions for rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, and joint instability to restore mobility.
Back and Spine
Conservative treatments for spinal injuries, nerve pain, and chronic back issues without surgery.
Why Choose Non-Surgical care?
At OPA Ortho, we believe that non-surgical care is often the best first step for treating musculoskeletal conditions. Most patients do not require surgery to recover. Our approach focuses on:
- Avoidance of Surgery Risks
- Less Downtime
- Personal or Lifestyle Factors
- Less Invasive
- Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments
- Long-Term Outcomes
- Initial Response to Injury
Book an Appointment Today
Explore a safe, non-invasive path to spine health no surgery, no hassle, just results.