Hand and Wrist Conditions in Missoula, Montana

This condition occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers, which often worsens at night.

When symptoms are more severe or persistent, surgical treatment may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve and restore normal hand function.

Cubital tunnel syndrome develops when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed at the elbow, resulting in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the ring and little fingers. Although the compression begins at the elbow, it can lead to hand pain and reduced grip strength over time.

Early care with anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, or physical therapy can ease symptoms, but more advanced cases may require surgery to restore comfort and function.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis affects the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling near the base of the thumb. Symptoms often worsen with pinching, gripping, or twisting motions.

Treatment for this common form of tendonitis may include corticosteroid injections, splinting, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and restore comfortable movement.

Stenosing tenosynovitis, also known as “trigger finger” or “trigger thumb”, is a condition that causes the affected finger or thumb to catch or lock when bent. It results from irritation of the flexor tendons as they pass through the tendon sheath, which can become swollen or thickened. Steroid injections, splints, or surgical intervention may be needed to restore smooth movement.

Injury or overuse can lead to inflammation or tearing of the extensor or flexor tendons, which control movement in the fingers, thumb, and wrist. This typically results in localized pain, swelling, and weakness when moving the hand or wrist.

Depending on the severity, treatment may include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgery to provide relief and restore function.

This form of arthritis affects the base of the thumb, where the basal joint connects the thumb to the wrist. It often leads to pain during pinching, gripping, or twisting motions.

Treatment for basal joint arthritis may include bracing, steroid injections, or, in more severe cases, surgical treatment to reduce joint pain and improve hand strength and mobility.

Finger joint and wrist arthritis is commonly caused by wear and tear in the wrist joint or the last joints of the fingers. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. This condition often develops with age or following an injury.

Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, corticosteroid injections, or surgery to improve movement and ease discomfort.

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a group of cartilage and ligaments on the pinky-finger side of the wrist that helps stabilize and support the wrist joint. A tear in this area can cause wrist pain, clicking, and weakness, especially with rotation or gripping. These injuries often result from a fall, sports injuries, or repetitive use.

Treatment for TFCC tears may involve rest, splinting, and, if symptoms continue, surgical intervention to restore strength and function.

This injury occurs when the ulnar collateral ligament at the base of the thumb is stretched or torn, usually from a direct impact that forces the thumb into an abnormal position. It can lead to pain, swelling, and instability when pinching or gripping objects. While mild cases may improve with splinting, more significant tears often require surgery to restore strength and stability.

A common carpal bone fracture, such as a scaphoid fracture, can occur after a fall on an outstretched hand. These wrist injuries often cause swelling, bruising, and pain that worsens with motion. Depending on the type of break, surgical treatment or casting may be necessary to restore alignment and support proper blood supply to the bone.

Dislocations occur when bones are forced out of place, often due to direct trauma or sports injuries. This can affect the carpal bones, thumb, or fingers, and usually leads to visible deformity, pain, and loss of wrist function. Prompt treatment is essential to realign the joint and protect the surrounding soft tissues.

Dislocations occur when bones are forced out of place, often due to direct trauma or sports injuries. This can affect the carpal bones, thumb, or fingers, and usually leads to visible deformity, pain, and loss of wrist function. Prompt treatment is essential to realign the joint and protect the surrounding soft tissues.

Crushing injuries can cause severe damage to the soft tissues, nail beds, and even the bones of the hand. They often result in significant pain, swelling, and bleeding. Treatment depends on the severity and may involve wound care, nail repair, splinting, or surgery to promote healing and restore function.

These noncancerous lumps commonly form near wrist joints or tendons and can vary in size. While many are painless, some may press on nearby nerves or restrict movement, leading to wrist problems. Depending on the symptoms, treatment options may include monitoring, fluid drainage, or surgical removal.

This benign growth develops along a tendon sheath, usually in the fingers or hand, and may cause swelling, stiffness, or discomfort. Although it grows slowly, it may interfere with normal movement over time. Surgical treatment is typically recommended to remove the mass and reduce the likelihood of it recurring.