Common Hand & Wrist Conditions
Dr Julyan also treats common conditions of the hand and wrist. This guide explains them simply. Many are helped without surgery; when a small release procedure is needed, it is usually a short day-case operation.
1Carpal tunnel syndrome
What it is
A nerve (the median nerve) is squeezed as it passes through a tunnel at the wrist.
Common symptoms: pins and needles, numbness or pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night, and sometimes weakness of grip.
Treatment: a night splint, activity changes or an injection may help. If symptoms persist, a carpal tunnel release — a short day-case procedure, often under local anaesthetic — relieves the pressure on the nerve.
2Trigger finger
What it is
A tendon in the finger or thumb catches as it glides, so the digit clicks, locks or is stiff, especially in the morning.
Treatment: splinting or a cortisone injection settles many cases. A minor trigger-finger release is a quick day-case option if these do not work.
3De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
What it is
The tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed and painful.
Common symptoms: pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist, worse gripping, lifting or twisting.
Treatment: a splint, activity changes and an injection help most people. A small release procedure is available if symptoms continue.
4Cubital tunnel syndrome
What it is
A nerve (the ulnar nerve) is compressed at the inner elbow — the ‘funny bone’ nerve.
Common symptoms: pins and needles or numbness in the ring and little fingers, discomfort at the inner elbow, and sometimes weakness of the hand.
Treatment: avoiding leaning on the elbow, an elbow splint at night and activity changes may help. A release procedure at the elbow is considered if the nerve stays compressed.
This leaflet gives general information for patients of Dr Anton Julyan and is written for a South African context. It does not replace the specific advice Dr Julyan, the anaesthetist or the nursing staff give you — their instructions always take precedence. Every patient, condition and recovery is different, and individual results vary. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency, phone 10177 (ambulance) or 112 from a mobile, or go to your nearest hospital casualty/emergency unit. © Dr Anton Julyan Orthopaedic Surgeon Inc. Draft for clinical review.