An orthopedic surgeon is trained to diagnose and treat wrist injuries, including fractures, sprains, and inflammation. In cases where noninvasive therapy approaches are ineffective, they may suggest wrist surgery. Here is how an orthopedic surgeon can help treat wrist injuries:
Physical Therapy
Surgeons offer physical therapy for post-surgery rehabilitation and wrist injury management. The integration of physical therapy works to address wrist discomfort and restore functionality. For pain management, an orthopedic surgeon could recommend heat therapy, ice therapy, and massages. Your surgeon may also recommend other light stretching exercises to restore mobility and flexibility at the wrist joint. Strength exercises targeting the wrist muscles during physical therapy help restore grip strength, while therapeutic techniques and targeted exercises reduce pain and improve wrist comfort during movement. Orthopedic surgeons frequently collaborate with physical therapists to create individualized exercise regimens to rehabilitate injuries.
Bracing
This kind of treatment option uses a splint or brace to support the wrist. Wrist braces are usually made of plastic, metal, soft fabric, or Velcro straps. Braces are both custom-made or offered in standard designs, and your surgeon should choose a brace according to your injury type and wrist needs. The wrist brace serves to limit the movement of your wrist during healing and allows you to resume activities slowly while building your strength and function. As you begin performing routine tasks, braces help prevent re-injury. Your surgeon might have you combine bracing with physiotherapy to promote healing. Physiotherapy involves transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and joint mobilizations. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses a low-voltage electrical current to block pain receptors.
Compression
Compression treatments involve applying pressure on the wrist with a bandage. Your doctor may bandage your wrist from the base of the fingers towards the elbow, creating a snug wrap that does not cut off circulation. Compression limits fluid accumulation in the injury site to reduce swelling. The pressure exerted on the injured tissues also aims to diminish the pain signals sent to the brain.
Compression wraps provide support to the wrist joint and the surrounding structures. In cases of minor fractures or sprains, joint stabilization helps prevent further injury. Your surgeon adjusts specialized compression wraps for tightness according to the injury severity. Cold compression therapy numbs the injured area and reduces further swelling. Surgeons often recommend regular breaks during compression therapy to allow for full circulation.
Immobilization
In cases of a broken wrist bone, surgeons use immobilization techniques to restrict movement. They might use a dynamic or corrective cast to promote the correct healing of the fractured bone. For severe pain, your doctor could prescribe moderate to strong medications and pain relievers. Antibiotics help prevent infections in wrists with open fractures. During immobilization, occasionally, keeping the hand above the heart reduces pain and swelling.
Anti-Inflammatory Injections
An orthopedic doctor frequently uses corticosteroid injections to treat wrist injuries. Anti-inflammatory injections mimic the body’s cortisol to regulate inflammation and return it to normal levels. Surgeons should inject the medication directly into the wrist joint to provide targeted, faster pain relief. Injections are often proceeded by a local anesthetic to decrease any discomfort from the injury or the injection.
Learn More About an Orthopedic Surgeon
An orthopedic surgeon begins with a physical examination to determine the extent of a wrist injury. Following your customized treatment, they usually perform further checkups to resolve potential issues and check on the healing process. Contact a reputable orthopedic specialist to learn more about their services.