With the advent of computers and handheld technology, hand and wrist pain has come to an extraordinary rise. While early on, the recommended solution was often risky surgery, the regenerative therapies provided by industry leaders such as OrthoGen Clinics have changed all that. Today, the double board-certified physicians of OrthoGen Clinics provide injection-based treatments of highly potent stem cells, Exosomes (regarded as the purest form of cellular therapy), and PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma. Each of these therapies has the unique ability to reduce irritating inflammation and soothe pain and tissue or tendon damage that can limit the range of motion and further deteriorate the joint. In addition, these regenerative treatments, paired with a complete rest and support protocol, ease wrist pain and can quickly get you back up to speed.
The Wrist
The wrist is a complex joint acting as a bridge between our nimble hands and fingers and the bones and muscles in the forearm. As the joint narrows between the two appendages, there’s minimal space for the complex web of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves to pass through it. Because of this, the wrist is fairly delicate and can be sensitive to bearing weight (like catching ourselves in a fall), the strain of repetitive motions, and friction between structures when we are holding or moving our hands or forearms in unnatural positions. So what conditions are commonly caused by engaging in our increasingly technological world?
- Carpal Tunnel is a common disorder increasing over the last few decades as desktop and laptop computers grew in popularity. While this condition is often caused by a compression of the nerves on the underside of the joint due to poor posture while typing, it can result from repetitive movements that increase friction and inflammation.
- “Texting Thumb” results from irritation of thumb tendons as they pass through a sheath near the wrist. Modern cell phones are designed with keyboards to allow for texting or writing, and often, the thumbs are moved repetitively to “type” the words we use to search or communicate. This form of tendonitis can cause both wrist and hand pain.
- “Scrolling Finger” is a form of arthritis in the joints of the fingers that lead to hand pain. In addition, much of our work on computers involves using a mouse or trackpad that utilizes repetitive movements or pressure with unnatural positioning for selecting or scrolling, which can irritate existing symptoms or conditions.
- “Selfie Wrist” is a new name for wrist pain at the back of the joint caused by the strain of repetitive flexion (pulling the palm toward the forearm). One example of this is seen in caregivers of small children carried with one arm and stabilized with a flexed wrist. Still, the modern association is the unnatural positioning of the hand when routinely taking “selfies” with mobile devices.
The Comprehensive Approach of OrthoGen
Because of the complexities of the wrist, any treatment has to start with a complete and careful examination. Then, depending on the tendon or ligament inflamed, our skilled physicians will take the time necessary to determine the best non-surgical therapy, including both highly potent stem cells and the growth factors from platelet-rich plasma.
As one of the nation’s leading regenerative clinics, the OrthoGen team also provides Exosomes, the new frontier in regenerative medicine. These extracellular microvesicles are isolated from donated human mesenchymal stem cells and then purified using a proprietary process. While they are stem cell-derived, they bring a wide array of growth factors to stimulate and modulate many functions within the healing cascade. As a result, exosomes are generally regarded as the purest form of cellular therapy available. In the hands of our skilled physicians, the results in treating wrist injuries are nothing short of phenomenal.
The Irony of Technology
Technological advancement is, in part, driven by our desire to make our lives easier and improve connectedness and convenience to create more space in our schedules. Unfortunately, these marvels aren’t necessarily designed with ergonomics in mind. The extra time we gain is often filled with spare time spent on mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and phones that can strain our bodies. The wrists are especially sensitive to using handheld devices and computers. Too much time with tech can lead to wrist pain conditions that increase daily discomfort and limited mobility. What problems do we see with wrist and hand pain, and what are the most effective solutions?
Get a Hand with Your Wrist Pain
Hand and wrist pain can limit how we function and interact every day. While finding relief solutions can be challenging, there are methods to ease irritation. The team of compassionate professionals at OrthoGen Clinics understands the need for a comprehensive plan for complex pain conditions in delicate areas and is dedicated to helping patients find fast relief for their injuries. Please call us today to learn more about your long-lasting relief options!