Wrist and Hand Treatments in Missoula, Montana
Specialties
Trusted Medical Treatment for Hand and Wrist Conditions in Western Montana
If hand or wrist pain is making it hard to do the things you love, there are effective wrist and hand treatments that can help. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics in Missoula, Montana, our experienced team provides trusted care for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, sports injuries, arthritis, and more. We offer both nonsurgical treatments and advanced surgical procedures to help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve function.
If you’re struggling with finger joint stiffness, nerve damage, or swelling that won’t go away, our Missoula hand and wrist specialists can guide you toward the right treatment options for long-term relief. Call (406) 728-6101 today or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
Common Hand and Wrist Conditions Treated in Missoula
Many people in Missoula experience hand and wrist pain that affects their ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or complete everyday tasks. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics, we address a wide range of hand and wrist conditions in Montana using proven treatments to help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility.
Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist
Arthritis commonly affects the finger joints, wrist joint, and other small bones in the hand. This condition occurs when cartilage wears down, leading to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the affected joint. People with rheumatoid arthritis may also notice bony lumps, reduced hand function, and difficulty with gripping or pinching. Our Missoula hand and wrist arthritis specialists may use X-rays, steroid injections, or even joint reconstruction surgery in severe cases to alleviate pain and help you move more comfortably.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve in your wrist becomes compressed, causing pain, numbness, and tingling that can travel into the fingers. If left untreated, it can lead to nerve damage and long-term problems with hand function. Early symptoms often include waking up at night with a numb or tingling hand or wrist, or dropping objects unexpectedly. Treatment may include night splints, occupational therapy, or carpal tunnel release surgery for those who don’t improve with nonsurgical treatments.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a condition caused by inflammation in the tendon sheath. This makes it difficult to straighten or bend the affected finger. It may also lock, click, or feel stiff, especially in the morning. The condition can be painful and limit your ability to complete everyday tasks. Corticosteroid injections, occupational therapy, or minor surgical procedures may help reduce symptoms and restore movement.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that appear near joints or tendons, often around the wrist. While they’re not cancerous, they can cause pain, especially if they press on nearby nerves or blood vessels. Depending on the size and symptoms, we may recommend medical treatment such as draining the cyst or surgically removing it if it interferes with hand and wrist function.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture affects the connective tissue under the skin of the palm, causing it to thicken and tighten. Over time, this can cause the fingers to pull inward toward the palm, making it difficult to straighten them. The ring and pinky fingers are most commonly affected. Our providers may suggest routine steroid injections or surgery, depending on how advanced the condition is.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
This painful condition involves the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. It can make gripping, lifting, or twisting motions difficult and cause pain that worsens with activity. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis often develops from chronic overuse or repetitive motions. Home treatments, such as wrapping the wrist with elastic bandages, rest, and applying ice, may provide relief. In other cases, we may recommend massage therapy or surgery to help alleviate pain and restore function.
Hand and Wrist Injuries
We treat many hand and wrist injuries caused by falls, sports accidents, or repetitive strain. These may include broken bones, soft tissue damage, or torn ligaments and tendons. Immediate care is vital to make sure injuries heal properly and don’t lead to long-term problems. Depending on the injury, we may use splints, occupational therapy, or surgery to rehabilitate the injured hand or wrist.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Hand and Wrist Pain in Missoula, MT
Not every case of hand or wrist pain requires surgery. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics in Missoula, we offer several nonsurgical treatments for hand and wrist pain designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function so you can return to your normal routine.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Physical therapy and occupational therapy play an important role in treating many types of hand and wrist conditions or injuries. Our team of certified hand therapists can teach exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected area, improve range of motion, and make it easier to complete normal tasks. We typically recommend working with physical or occupational therapists after an injury, surgery, or when symptoms affect your ability to work or care for yourself.
Corticosteroid Injections
A corticosteroid injection can help relieve pain and reduce swelling in inflamed joints or tendons. These injections are often used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and arthritis. While the relief may be temporary, it can make it easier to participate in occupational therapy or perform daily activities without pain. Some patients may benefit from a treatment plan that includes regularly scheduled injections.
Bracing, Splinting, and Casting
Bracing, splinting, or casting the injured hand or wrist can help protect the area, promote healing, and alleviate pain. For example, night splints are often used to treat carpal tunnel by keeping the wrist joint in a neutral position while sleeping. Elastic bandages may also be used to provide compression and reduce swelling after a minor hand or wrist injury.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications are a common part of hand and wrist treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation, ease other symptoms like stiffness or throbbing, and improve comfort during physical activity. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, our healthcare professionals may also recommend prescription-strength medications.
Surgical Procedures for Hand and Wrist Conditions at Northern Rockies Orthopaedics
If nonsurgical treatments don’t provide relief, surgery may be recommended to treat hand and wrist pain. Our Missoula hand and wrist surgeons perform a range of advanced surgical procedures designed to repair damage and help you regain strength and movement.
Tendon Repair and Reconstruction
Injured or torn tendons in the hand and wrist can cause severe pain, weakness, and limited motion. Tendon repair and reconstruction surgery helps reconnect or rebuild damaged tissue so it can heal properly. This is often necessary after sports injuries, deep cuts, or when inflammation causes long-term damage. After surgery, occupational therapy is recommended to improve mobility.
Ligament Reconstruction
Ligaments connect bones to each other and help stabilize the hand and wrist joints. When they are stretched or torn, they can cause pain, weakness, or instability. Ligament reconstruction surgery involves repairing or replacing the damaged ligament using tissue grafts or sutures. This procedure can help alleviate symptoms and stabilize the hand and wrist.
Fracture Repair and Realignment
Broken bones need proper realignment to heal correctly and prevent long-term issues. Depending on the type of hand or wrist fracture, surgery may involve pins, plates, or screws to hold the small bones in place. This helps restore bone position, reduce pain, and protect the injured area. Many patients will wear a splint or cast for several weeks and begin occupational therapy once healing begins.
Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat problems inside the wrist joint. It uses a tiny camera and small instruments to examine or repair damaged cartilage, remove inflamed tissue, or smooth out bone spurs. This option typically allows for a quicker recovery than open surgery.
Ganglion Cyst Removal
When ganglion cysts cause discomfort or limit movement, surgical removal may be the best solution. This outpatient procedure involves removing the cyst and its root to reduce the chance of it returning. Ganglion cyst removal may provide lasting pain relief and improve hand function when other treatments fail.
Carpal Tunnel Release
If carpal tunnel syndrome continues to cause hand and wrist pain despite using night splints or corticosteroid injections, carpal tunnel release surgery may be needed. This procedure involves cutting the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve to relieve pressure and improve blood flow. Many patients notice improved grip strength, reduced numbness, and better hand function within a few weeks of recovery.
Trigger Finger Release
Trigger finger release is an outpatient procedure that widens the tendon sheath in the affected finger, allowing the tight tendon to glide smoothly again. This is often done under local anesthesia and is especially helpful when symptoms don’t improve with steroid injections or other treatments.
Nerve Decompression
Compressed nerves in the hand and wrist can lead to pain, tingling, and nerve damage over time. Nerve decompression surgery involves freeing the affected nerve from surrounding tissues that are causing pain or limiting blood flow.
Joint Fusion or Replacement
When arthritis or injury causes severe damage to the hand or wrist, joint fusion or replacement surgery may be recommended. Joint fusion surgery connects bones to stop movement in the affected joint, which can relieve pain and provide stability. In severe cases, our surgeons may recommend artificial joint replacement to restore function.
When arthritis or injury causes severe damage to the hand or wrist, joint fusion or replacement surgery may be recommended. Joint fusion surgery connects bones to stop movement in the affected joint, which can relieve pain and provide stability. In severe cases, our surgeons may recommend artificial joint replacement to restore function.
Trauma and Revision Procedures
If you’ve had a previous surgery that didn’t resolve your pain, or if you’ve suffered a new injury since the procedure, you may benefit from trauma and revision surgery. These specialized procedures are used to correct complications such as improper bone healing, nerve damage, scar tissue, or loss of mobility. Our wrist and hand specialists will carefully evaluate your condition through a detailed physical exam and advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays or MRIs. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on restoring strength and mobility in your hand and wrist.
Why Patients in Montana Trust the Hand and Wrist Specialists at NRO
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics, we provide effective wrist and hand treatments that focus on long-term pain relief and improved quality of life. Our Missoula hand and wrist specialists use the latest techniques to treat patients across Montana who are suffering from chronic pain and immobility.
Whether you’re dealing with early symptoms or advanced issues, we take the time to understand your condition, explain your treatment options, and recommend the most effective plan to relieve pain, restore strength, and help you get back to the things you enjoy.
Contact Northern Rockies Orthopaedics for Hand and Wrist Pain Relief in Missoula, Montana
If you’re living with chronic hand or wrist pain, don’t wait to get the care you need. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics, we offer trusted wrist and hand treatments to help reduce pain, restore movement, and improve your ability to do the things that matter most. Whether you’re dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or a recent injury, our team will discuss your options and create a plan that supports your recovery and overall well-being.
Call (406) 728-6101 or contact us online to schedule your appointment with a Missoula hand and wrist specialist today.
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