Hand, Wrist and Forearm Trauma & Pain

Comprehensive care

The normal function of the hand, wrist, and forearm is crucial to your quality of life since we rely on our hands to perform so many tasks throughout the day. At MedStar Health, our experienced hand surgeons perform thousands of surgeries each year, including surgery to treat complex fractures of the hand and wrist. We pride ourselves on offering the least invasive surgical options to allow our patients to recover quickly from surgery and return to their regular lives faster. Our specialists will always encourage non-surgical hand, forearm, and wrist treatment options when possible and recommend surgical options only when necessary.

Most people don't realize that any time there is a hand trauma in the state of Maryland, the patient is transported to the Curtis National Hand Center. That's because there is no other place more qualified. As the designated hand and upper extremity trauma center in Maryland, we have cared for over 1,200 hand trauma patients.

What is hand, wrist, or forearm trauma?

Trauma refers to a direct blow or impact to a part of the body, which often results in a bone fracture or other serious internal damage to your ligaments and tendons. A traumatic injury to the hand or arm can cause severe pain, loss of dexterity, and inability to perform simple daily movements.

What are the causes?

Hand, wrist, and forearm trauma are most commonly the result of one of the following:

Automobile crashes
Motorcycle or bicycle crashes
Sports-related injuries
Fall from a height

What are the symptoms?

It is important to visit an orthopedic specialist if you are suffering from any of these common symptoms of trauma:

Hand, wrist, or forearm swelling
Bruising or discoloration in the area
Inability to move the wrist joint
“Pop” or “crunch” sound at time of injury

How is it diagnosed?

At the first signs of wrist, forearm, or hand trauma, it is important to speak with an orthopedic specialist. MedStar Health is home to fellowship-trained experts in a wide range of hand and upper extremity conditions who have years of experience evaluating, diagnosing, and treating hand conditions. Your initial exam will likely include the following:

Medical history evaluation: Your physician will discuss your medical history with you and any relevant prior hand, wrist, or forearm problems.
Physical exam: Your doctor will evaluate the affected area and may ask you questions about where you are feeling pain or discomfort.
Imaging tests: Your orthopedist will also likely conduct imaging studies to rule out a fracture and accurately diagnose your condition.

What are the best treatment options?

If you are experiencing a hand, wrist, or forearm injury that is mild, one or more of the following conservative treatment options may be recommended to help your injury heal without surgery:

Cast or splint immobilization
Ice to decrease swelling and pain
Avoiding activities that cause pain or pressure on the affected limb
Hand, wrist, or arm bandage/splint to add support
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
Elevating the affected limb to reduce swelling (especially while sleeping)

If conservative options are unsuccessful or when the injury is more severe, our physicians at MedStar Health may recommend complex fracture repair of the hand and wrist.