From Trigger Finger To Tendonitis: 3 Common Minimally Invasive Procedures For Hand Pain Relief

When Hand Pain Can’t Be Ignored

Occasionally, experiencing hand pain isn’t uncommon. Whether because of an unexpected accident or because of sustained, repetitive use, discomfort can be inevitable. In most cases, a little rest, taking pain medication, and maybe even using a brace are enough to get back to full functionality. However, some individuals may need more serious medical interventions. Whether because of carpal tunnel, tendonitis, or another condition, here are some of the top minimally invasive treatments to help hand pain sufferers get back to normal life.

Common causes of hand pain

Many people might be surprised to find that hand pain isn't solely limited to injuries that occur directly in the hand. For example, a fractured wrist can also cause discomfort that's felt in the hand. Other conditions, such as carpal tunnel, overextensions of the muscles or tendons and ligaments in the wrist, and even dislocations, can all be to blame for hand pain. Below are three common minimally invasive solutions for managing hand pain depending on the severity of the damage.

1. Are injections first-line therapy?

If at-home treatments, including rest, icing, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, don't yield measurable results, a physician might recommend taking corticosteroid injections. A recent study found that injections could be effective for people with more minor yet persistent hand and wrist injuries. The study followed 111 adults that reported having hand and wrist injuries. Researchers discovered that the patients who received 80mgs of corticosteroid were less likely to need surgery within 5 years when compared to the placebo group. Specifically, corticosteroid injections may improve patient outcomes, control carpal tunnel symptoms, and delay or prevent the need for follow-up surgeries.

2. PRP for faster repair

Sometimes hand pain isn't caused by inflammation, but by physical damage to tissues in the region. As a result, corticosteroid injections can manage pain but aren't enough to ensure full healing. By contrast, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments that are also administered by injection can work. The procedure can speed healing by harnessing the restorative properties naturally found in a person's own blood. The process works by taking a sample of blood and separating the platelets and plasma from the red blood cells. The separated material is then injected directly into the injury site. Research shows that PRP can be an effective tool for healing minor damage as well as speeding recovery if administered shortly after surgery.

3. Minimally invasive surgery

Sometimes the damage that occurs in the hands and wrists is too extensive to be managed with at-home care or noninvasive injections. For these individuals, more progressive surgical procedures exist that can correct the damage while shortening recovery times. Minimally invasive operations such as keyhole surgery to widen the carpal tunnel channel, and arthroscopy to repair the wrist joint due to injury or arthritis are common options.

Don't suffer from hand pain

For many people, hand pain is temporary. However, for other individuals, the discomfort is persistent and impacts mobility, function, and quality of life. Enduring pain isn't necessary, though. Several options exist to correct the damage and eliminate the irritation. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if hand discomfort is interfering with daily life.