The human wrist is a complex and essential joint that provides mobility and support for daily activities. Made up of eight small carpal bones and two long forearm bones (radius and ulna), the wrist bones plays a crucial role in movement, flexibility, and strength. However, due to its frequent use, it is also highly susceptible to injuries. Whether you are dealing with a fracture, sprain, or chronic wrist pain, Aptiva Health in Kentucky offers top-tier diagnosis and treatment options to restore your wrist function effectively.
Anatomy of the Wrist
The wrist consists of the following carpal bones:
- Scaphoid: Located under the thumb, most commonly fractured carpal bone.
- Lunate: Crescent-shaped bone beside the scaphoid.
- Trapezium: Supports thumb movement.
- Trapezoid: Small, wedge-shaped bone next to the trapezium.
- Capitate: The largest carpal bone in the center of the wrist.
- Hamate: Located under the pinky finger.
- Triquetrum: Pyramid-shaped bone supporting wrist stability.
- Pisiform: Small, pea-shaped bone resting atop the triquetrum.
These bones interact through three primary joints, including the radiocarpal joint, ulnocarpal joint, and distal radioulnar joint, which facilitate wrist movement in multiple directions.
Common Wrist Injuries
Wrist injuries generally fall into two categories: traumatic (acute) injuries and overuse (chronic) injuries.
Traumatic Wrist Injuries
- Wrist Fractures: Most commonly affect the scaphoid or distal radius, often due to falls on an outstretched hand.
- Wrist Sprains: Caused by overstretching or tearing of ligaments, leading to pain and instability.
- Dislocations: Occur when bones move out of their normal alignment, typically following a high-impact injury.
Overuse Wrist Injuries
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Results from compression of the median nerve, causing tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand.
- Wrist Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons due to repetitive movements, common in athletes and office workers.
- Ganglion Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that develop near wrist joints and tendons, sometimes causing discomfort and restricted motion.
- Wrist Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the wrist joints leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
Diagnosis of Wrist Conditions
At Aptiva Health, our specialists perform comprehensive evaluations to determine the root cause of wrist pain. Diagnostic methods include:
- X-rays: Identify fractures, arthritis, and bone abnormalities.
- MRI Scans: Provide detailed images of soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons.
- CT Scans: Generate 3D images to assess bone alignment and fractures.
- Electromyography (EMG): Evaluates nerve function to diagnose conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment Options at Aptiva Health
Aptiva Health offers a wide range of treatment solutions tailored to each patient’s specific wrist condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Customized rehabilitation programs to strengthen the wrist and restore function.
- Wrist Injections: Corticosteroid or PRP injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Bracing & Immobilization: Helps stabilize the wrist during healing.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain and swelling.
Surgical Interventions
- Wrist Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat ligament tears and cartilage damage.
- Fracture Repair: Surgical realignment and fixation of broken bones using screws or plates.
- Carpal Tunnel Release: A procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve and restore hand function.
Why Choose Aptiva Health for Wrist Injuries?
With a team of experienced orthopedic specialists, sports medicine doctors, and physical therapists, Aptiva Health ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, provide same-day and walk-in appointments, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing wrist pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Schedule an appointment with Aptiva Health today by calling 1-844-999-3627 and take the first step toward recovery.
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