Wrist Pain Specialist

Why do I have wrist pain?

Your wrist is a complex joint with ligaments, nerves, cartilage, and tissue. Its complexity makes it prone to injuries that cause pain, tingling, and other symptoms. Playing sports and performing repetitive activities — even hobbies like knitting — can lead to wrist pain. 

What causes wrist pain?

Wrist pain can happen for many reasons, including 

• Torn ligaments
• Ganglion cysts
• Degenerative changes due to arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

To help find the cause of your wrist pain, your doctor may recommend a procedure called wrist arthroscopy. 

What is wrist arthroscopy?

Wrist arthroscopy can help your doctor treat the underlying cause of your wrist pain. The procedure involves the use of a tube-like device, called an arthroscope, which has a camera, allowing your doctor to see your wrist joint, cartilage, ligaments, and tissues without making a large incision.

What happens during wrist arthroscopy?

You receive medications to relax you, along with anesthesia. Your doctor makes two or more small incisions on the back of your wrist. A thin tube is used to inject a saline solution into your wrist to improve your doctor’s view of internal structures.

The camera on the arthroscope transmits images to a monitor, which your doctor uses to guide the procedure. Once your doctor determines the cause of your wrist pain, they make the needed repairs.

Your incisions are then closed and bandaged. You may need a splint, cast, or brace to protect your wrist.  You’ll feel some pain, swelling, and possible stiffness, and your sutures are removed in one to two weeks.

How is wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine may recommend a procedure called carpal tunnel release. Carpal tunnel release may be performed as an open procedure or an endoscopic procedure, using a special tube with a camera attached. 

Both forms of the procedure relieve pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel from your forearm and into your hand. 

If you’re suffering from wrist pain, you can rely on the team at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine for effective diagnosis and treatment. Call the office or book a consultation online today.