Hand and Upper Extremity Injuries: Wrist, Elbow, and Shoulder Care

Hand and Upper Extremity Injuries: Wrist, Elbow, and Shoulder Care

Injuries to the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder can disrupt almost every part of daily life. These joints and soft tissues allow you to grip, lift, type, reach, and stabilize your body during movement. When pain or injury strikes, even simple tasks like brushing your hair or opening a jar can become difficult.

Understanding the common causes of upper extremity pain and knowing when to seek specialized care can help you heal faster and prevent long-term issues.

Common Wrist Injuries

The wrist is a complex joint that depends on strong ligaments, tendons, and small bones working in harmony. Common wrist issues include:

Sprains and Ligament Injuries

Often caused by falls or sudden twisting motions. Pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion are common symptoms.

Tendonitis

Overuse injuries such as De Quervain’s tendonitis or flexor/extensor tendon inflammation can make gripping or lifting painful.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Compression of the median nerve can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.

Arthritis

Wear-and-tear or inflammatory arthritis can affect the wrist joints, causing stiffness and chronic pain.

Care and Treatment

• Activity modification
  
  

• Bracing or splinting
  
  

• Anti-inflammatory medications
  
  

• Corticosteroid injections
  
  

• Ultrasound-guided injections for precision
  
  

• Physical or occupational therapy
  
  

• Surgery when conservative care is not enough
  
  

Common Elbow Injuries

The elbow is vulnerable to overuse conditions and trauma, especially in active individuals.

Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Tendon overuse around the lateral or medial elbow causes pain with gripping or wrist motion.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the olecranon bursa can lead to swelling at the back of the elbow.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Compression of the nerve can cause tingling in the ring and small fingers.

Ligament Sprains or Tears

Often related to sports or heavy lifting.

Care and Treatment

• Rest and avoidance of painful activities
  
  

• Bracing
  
  

• Physical therapy and strengthening
  
  

• Anti-inflammatory medication
  
  

• Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
  
  

• Evaluation for nerve compression
  
  

• Surgical repair when needed
  
  

Common Shoulder Injuries

The shoulder allows exceptional mobility, making it more vulnerable to strain and wear.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Tendonitis, partial tears, or full-thickness tears can cause weakness and pain with lifting or reaching.

Shoulder Impingement

Inflamed tendons become pinched during arm elevation, leading to sharp pain.

Bursitis

Swelling of the shoulder bursa can mimic rotator cuff pain.

Labral Tears

Injuries to the cartilage ring can cause clicking, instability, or deep shoulder pain.

Arthritis

Degeneration of the joint surfaces results in stiffness and chronic discomfort.

Care and Treatment

• Targeted strengthening and mobility therapy
  
  

• Anti-inflammatory medications
  
  

• Ultrasound-guided injections for precise relief
  
  

• Hydrodilation for frozen shoulder
  
  

• Regenerative medicine (PRP) for tendon injuries
  
  

• Surgical evaluation for advanced tears or instability
  
  

When to See a Specialist

You should seek care if you experience:

• Pain lasting longer than two weeks
  
  

• Difficulty gripping or lifting
  
  

• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
  
  

• Shoulder pain that worsens with overhead motion
  
  

• Clicking, instability, or weakness
  
  

• Swelling or visible deformity
  
  

• Sudden injury from a fall or heavy lifting
  
  

Getting an accurate diagnosis early can prevent chronic pain, nerve damage, or permanent mobility loss.

Advanced Treatment Options

Pain management and orthopedic specialists have access to advanced diagnostic and treatment tools, including:

• Ultrasound-guided injections for more precise targeting
  
  

• Nerve blocks for severe pain
  
  

• PRP and regenerative therapies to support tissue healing
  
  

• Minimally invasive procedures for tendon, ligament, or nerve conditions
  
  

These options often help patients avoid surgery and return to activity faster.

The Bottom Line

Hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries are common, but they don’t have to disrupt your life long-term. Early evaluation and a personalized treatment plan can restore strength, relieve pain, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.